Minister Of Culture Fadli Zon Opens SUNTING Exhibition, Lifts The Role Of Women As Movers Of Changes In The Nation

The SUNTING exhibition is open to the public and lasts until July 2025.

JAKARTA - Right on Kartini Day Monday, April 21, 2025, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, inaugurated the SUNTING Exhibition: Traces of Indonesian Women Motivating Amendments at the Indonesian National Museum, a visual and historical celebration of women's contribution to forming the direction of the nation.

This exhibition is not just a ceremony. In front of national figures such as the Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha, Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar, to Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Djiwandono and Deputy Minister of Women's Empowerment Veronica Tan, Menbud Fadli said that Indonesian women are not just part of their history.

This is a reflective journey, exploring how women sculpt history through voice, expression, and work. The Ministry of Culture will continue to encourage women's position in inclusive and fair national development," he said.

The SUNTING exhibition features curation works from Citra Smara Dewi and Sabla Duhita Drijono, with research support from the Department of History of the University of Indonesia. Executive Director of Museums and Cultural Conservation, Indira Nurjadin, explained that sunting' in the tradition of the archipelago is a symbol of women's dignity and identity. This exhibition is not just a space for showing off, but a space for dialogue and reflection to rearrange the historical narrative from a woman's perspective," he said.

This exhibition is divided into three main parts that are intertwining. The first part raises women in a circle of power and resistance, highlighting leaders and fighters from various ages. The second part shows the role of women as historical drivers in the nation's socio-political dynamics. While the last section features female figures who take part in the fields of education, arts, diplomacy, health, and technology. They are the builders of modern Indonesian civilization.

A total of 17 female organizations have also received attention as collective forces that have continued to drive changes since the past. Cross-cultural and timing artifacts are exhibited, ranging from archives, textiles, works of art, to visual documentation, all of which record traces and identities of Indonesian women from generation to generation.

"Let's make this moment a reminder that the progress of the nation cannot be separated from strengthening the role of women in all fields. Hopefully, the spirit of women leaders will continue to be a source of inspiration to guide our steps in facing the challenges of the times," Fadli Zon said closing his remarks.