Indonesia Sesame Street Unveils Muppeteers Behind-the-Scenes

March 22, 2007

                                                        
                                                         
Bahasa Indonesia

The award-winning children’s program, Sesame Street, is one step closer to production here in Indonesia, after four local “Muppeteers” made their formal public debut this morning at the Sanctuary Health Club at Pavilion Apartments in Jakarta. Marty Robinson, who plays Snuffleupagus, Telly Monster, Slimey and other characters on the U.S. program, helped local production house Creative Indigo select and train the new Muppeteers.

Sesame Street Indonesia, which is co-produced by the non-profit educational organization Sesame Workshop, received initial funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The program will debut later this year and run until 2010.

The show will introduce four Muppet characters created especially for Indonesia, and feature locally-produced live action and animation films as well as classic Sesame Street segments with Elmo, Cookie Monster and the rest of the Sesame friends.

The new show will engage local educators and child development experts in creating relevant and age-appropriate content. The program will help children learn basic cognitive skills such as literacy and mathematics, while representing the vibrant diversity of Indonesia. The series will also address issues specific to the region, such as encouraging young children to protect the environment and appreciate diversity.

USAID/Indonesia Mission Director William M. Frej said that Sesame Street, which will celebrate its 40th birthday next year, is an innovative educational institution that Americans are proud to share with the world.

“USAID is exceptionally pleased to be part of introducing Sesame Street to Indonesia. This show continues to stimulate and motivate children in 120 countries,” said Frej. “Sesame Street has endured because children enjoy learning along with their favorite characters.”

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