Open the past-heden exhibition, menbud promotes ri art education

Fadli Zon, Jakarta Minister of Culture, opened an exhibition and symposium titled ‘Dispowered Heden: Past Percent, Art Schools in Indonesia’ in the Indonesian Den Hague School (SIDH), Washmen, the Netherlands. This activity is part of the promotion of Indonesian culture to strengthen cultural diplomacy and cooperation of art education. The past-heden exhibition, compiled by Aminuddin Thiregar, highlighted the history and an important role of art schools in Indonesia in the formation of Indonesian post-colonial cultural identities. This exhibition offers archives, artworks, documentation and historical stories of leading art institutions such as the Faculty of Fine Arts and ITB design, Yogyakarta Indonesian Art Institute and the Bali Art Institute of Arts. A number of works displayed come from the founders of Indonesian art institutions, such as RJ Katamsi, painters and one of the main figures of the founder of ISI Yogyakarta, as well as Simon Admiral, the important figure behind the birth of modern art education at ITB. Browse to continue the content “This exhibition is like a conversation, or a dialogue space between the past, present and the future, especially in the detection of the history of art education in Indonesia,” Fadli said in a written statement on Saturday (6/14/2025). “Through the footsteps of the figures and art institutions displayed, we can reflect on how art has become an integral part of the formation of national identity, as well as bridging of intercultural relationships,” he added. In the midst of a number of challenges, such as geopolitical tension, climate crisis and digital disruption, arts and culture, Fadli explained to strengthen the understanding, resilience and peace of humanity. “Past-heden becomes a space for dialogue between generations and between nations. This activity can be a bridge between Indonesia and the Netherlands, as well as lighthouse our dedication to cultural justice and freedom of expression,” he added. In addition to the exhibition, the series of events also included symposiums, open discussions and workshops involving artists, academics, students and the Indonesian Diaspora community in the Netherlands. The Ministry of Culture hopes that initiatives such as past heden may be a forum for the exchange of ideas, critical reflection on shared history, as well as new collaborative spaces between Indonesian-Dutch Dutch arts and cultural actors in the future. The Indonesian ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Mayerfas, was present at the opening; Rector of ISI Yogyakarta, ISI Bali and ITB representative; and academic and curator representatives at Leiden University. (PRF/EGA) HOEGENG Awards 2025 Read the inspiring story of the exemplary police candidate here