Cepot, a character of Wayang Golek (rod puppets) in Sundanese puppetry, visited Russia. This rural character successfully hypnotized the foreign audience in International Festival "Meeting the UNESCO masterpieces on the Land of Olonkho" in Yakutsk, Sakha Republic, Russian Federation. Cepot’s performance was accompanied by a famous puppeteer, Wawan Gunawan.
Cepot character is humorous. He also usually says funny things. "Good afternoon. How are you ladies, gentleman, and beautiful and handsome children? I am Cepot from Indonesia," he said in Russian before the 500 audience in State Theatre of the Young Spectators in Sakha Republic, Russian Federation. "Khorosho," the audience said in Russian.
Besides the active interaction with the audience, Cepot also sang "Panon Hideung" (a Sundanese song) or "Ochi Chyornie" in Russian with his style. The audience sang along with him. People were laughing to see Cepot's act which was full of slapstick jokes in the show "Rahwana Gugur".
Indonesian Ambassador to Russian Federation, Djauhari Oratmangun, said Indonesian participation in the event was a part of public diplomacy. Indonesia, he continued, was a home of thousand tribes and ethnics which was rich of cultures. The cultures, ranging from dance, music, ritual, to tradition, must be promoted to international world.
Diplotainment which is a fusion of diplomacy and infotainment must be developed. Culture is universal. Thus, it can be easily accepted by other nations. "The presence of Cepot in Russia is not only for entertainment, but also for diplomacy," he said.