About
Bernard Arps serves as Professor of Indonesian and Javanese Language and Culture at Leiden University, where he specializes in the linguistic and cultural traditions of Indonesia with particular focus on Javanese heritage.
His research centers on Javanese performing arts, especially wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), examining narrative structures, ritual significance, and contemporary interpretations of classical works like Dewa Ruci. He analyzes performances through linguistic, anthropological, and religious frameworks, emphasizing the interplay between oral tradition and spiritual practice in Javanese society.
Professor Arps maintains active scholarly engagement with Indonesian cultural institutions, notably through critical reflections on landmark performances by masters such as Ki Manteb Soedharsono. His work bridges academic analysis with practical preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
