MERDEKA! di sini, seterusnya (translated as MERDEKA! here, ever after) explores the histories related to Indonesia through the perspectives of artists and artworks included in the exhibition di sini, d.l.l.

The story begins with the painting by Raden Saleh (1811–1880), Indische Landschaap (1853) and Javanese Mail Station (1879) which tells a story of the Netherland East Indies landscape and early infrastructure development in Java. From Java, we sail to Bali, which has become a popular destination for travelers from Europe and America in the 1930s. We will follow the trails left in Miguel Covarrubias’ Map of Bali with the Rose of the Winds (ca. 1930).

The segment continues with Pertemuan di Tjikampek jg Bersedjarah (1964) and Ngaso (1964) by S. Sudjojono (1913–1986), as well as Akibat Pemboman di Lengkong Besar Bandung, 1945 by Sudjana Kerton (1922–1994), which focuses on the struggles for independence as observed by artists who went to the frontline. We will also observe the work, Bung Karno di Tengah Perang Revolusi (1965 and 1966) by Dullah (1919–1996) that highlights Sukarno’s role as the leader of the nation during this tumultuous period in Indonesia.

This is an interactive session, during which there will also be discussion sessions about freedom and what it means to be an Indonesian.

Saturday, 19 August 2023 at 14.00 WIB

This Storytelling Session will be delivered in Bahasa Indonesia and accessible to the public with a valid Museum MACAN ticket, no additional registration is required.