Indonesian Artist Presents "Sisa-Sisa" in the 50th Anniversary of the Sydney Festival

Indonesian artists' performance at the 50th Anniversary of the Sydney Festival. (Source: KJRI Sydney)

JAKARTA - The story of humanity from Indonesia is shown on the international stage through "Sisa-Sisa", a contemporary dance performance by two Indonesian artists, Murtala and Alfira O'Sullivan at the Sydney Festival.

The participation of these two Indonesian artists is a matter of pride, because this year's Sydney Festival is 50 years old. This is one of the most prestigious festivals in Australia.

Presenting two solo works that depart from personal experiences and collective memories, Sisa-Sisa is an artistic reflection on trauma, loss, migration, and human resilience.

"Gelumbang Raya" by Murtala retraces his experience as a volunteer after the 2004 Aceh tsunami, a spiritual journey that records grief, trauma and determination to continue to survive.

Meanwhile, "Jejak & Bisik" by Alfira O'Sullivan explores the female body through the themes of fertility, perimenopause, motherhood and aging, which are processed into a deep reflection on the life cycle and identity.

The performance is further strengthened by the original music composition by Gondrong Gunarto, which presents the sound landscape as an important element in building a reflective and emotional atmosphere throughout the performance.

Departing from authentic life experiences, Sisa-Sisa brings warmth in the midst of a traumatic story, opening a space for empathy between artists and audiences across cultures.

(ki-ka) Murtala, the Indonesian Consul General, Young Swordsman Leonard Sondakh and Alfira O'Sullivan. (Source: KJRI Sydney)

This approach makes the performance relevant and meaningful for the Australian audience, while strengthening cultural dialogue through performing arts.

"This performance feels very powerful because it starts from real and very relatable experiences. The warmth vibe is felt in between the performances, and this work beautifully brings the contemporary Indonesian culture to the audience in Australia," said Wiwid Howat (35), one of the audience who appreciated the artistic power of "Sisa-Sisa".

The resonance of the performance was also felt by other international audiences. Carol (41), a spectator living in Australia, described "Remnants" as a powerful, intimate, and emotionally touching experience.

"This performance is very powerful and touching. The combination of music and rhythm feels calming," he said.

Carol, who has visited Indonesia, also appreciated the richness of Indonesian cultural expression through art, music, food, and the values of family that are reflected in the performance.

"Sisa-Sisa" was his first experience witnessing Indonesian contemporary art. He is grateful that Sydney provides a space to celebrate the diversity of the world's cultures.

Regarding the participation of "Sisa-Sisa" in the 2026 Sydney Festival, the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Sydney, Pendekar Muda Leonard Sondakh, appreciated the work as a representation of the quality and depth of the expression of Indonesian artists.

"Sisa-Sisa is a proud work, which shows how Indonesian artists are able to present personal experiences and collective memories into a strong and relevant art language for a global audience," explained the Indonesian Consul General.

"This is a form of living, humanistic cultural diplomacy, and a bridge for inter-national dialogue," he said.

The presence of the Indonesian Consul General and the support of the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney also strengthened the atmosphere of typical Indonesian warmth in between the performances.

Through the touch of dance, music, and cuisine, this support enriches the audience's experience while affirming the role of art and culture as a bridge of dialogue between nations.

Sisa-Sisa's participation in the 2026 Sydney Festival reflects the active contribution of Indonesian artists to the global art conversation, while strengthening Indonesian cultural diplomacy through a humanistic, inclusive and rooted approach to life experiences.