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Although they do not appear in the Mahabharata originated from India, punakawan the clowns are important characters in the Indonesian version and come out in other artistic theaters. They represent commoners, generally play the servants but with a role as very skilled advisors in conflicts and disputes. They are the ones who afford to give social criticism jokingly.

Here we find four punakawan in scenes. Semar, incarnation of the god Ismaya with supernatural ability that is greater than the gods', is the care-giver of the Pandawa. His son Gareng, although powerful, is always wrong. Bagong is the shadow of Semar, plays stupid but very decisive. Petruk is the son of Semar with the sweet face and smile. He is a smart speaker and likes to fool violence.