Lamsijan on a horse

Jesters provide biting commentary, both upon the action of the play and upon the contemporary concerns of the audience. Some scholars believe that these uniquely Indonesian characters derive from pre- Hindu guardian spirits. Comic figures, they assist the wayang heroes and villains in their pursuits and embark upon adventures of their own. Unlike the noble characters, who speak in a formal, elevated language, the jesters speak in local dialects. Audiences eagerly await their appearance and enjoy their ribaldry and physical antics.

The most famous of the jesters is Semar, a squat figure with a round belly and a large behind. The name Semar is derived from the Javanese word samar, which means “indistinct” or “obscure.” Indeed, this character crosses many boundaries and is defined by none. Physically androgynous, Semar plays many roles—adviser, clown, servant, and god; he is much more than a comic figure. According to Javanese thought, he is a brother of the god Shiva and a divine figure himself. In one play, the tuft of hair on Semar’s forehead is described as the axis of the universe.

Semar’s three sons also feature in the comic interludes of many plays. The smiling Petruk is an irreverent joker who often picks on his brothers, the pessimistic Gareng and the pug-nosed Cepot.