Jalan Sesama

Content

The show's setting mirrors a typical Indonesian street, complete with clay-tiled homes, a snack vendor, and a spot for motorcycle taxis. Segments weave in traditional arts like gamelan music and wayang puppet shows. The first episode followed characters as they got ready for and celebrated a new library's opening. Early guest stars included Hetty Koes Endang, Titiek Puspa, Gilang Ramadhan, and Surya Saputra.

The program aims to foster an appreciation for diversity, care for the environment, and good character. Because religion is a sensitive subject, the first season steered clear of it. The third season centered on environmental themes and disaster preparedness, while the fifth season highlighted creativity.

Did You Know?

• The series was created in March 2006 with US$8.5 million in funding from the United States government through USAID.
• Filming for the series took place in Jakarta beginning in May 2007, with a total of 156 episodes planned.
• A magazine to accompany the show, Jalan Sesama Magazine, was scheduled to release in April 2008.
• The character Elmo was introduced in the show's third season.
• A 2010 study found that children who watched the program showed greater improvements in cognitive skills, cultural awareness, environmental awareness, health and safety knowledge, literacy, mathematics, and social development than children who had not watched the program.