Minister Of Culture Fadli Zon Opens Exhibition And Heden's Verleden Symposium In The Netherlands

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon. (IST)

WASSENAAR - In the midst of efforts to strengthen Indonesia's cultural diplomacy in the global region, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Dr. Fadli Zon opened an international exhibition and coalition titled Verleden Heden: PastPresent, Art Schools in Indonesia at the Indonesian School of The Hague (SIDH), Wassenaar, Netherlands, Saturday, June 14. This exhibition is not just an art event, but a space for historical dialogue and identity that bridges the past and future of Indonesian art education.

"This exhibition is not just an archive presentation and work, but a cross-time and cultural conversation," said Menbud Fadli Zon in his opening speech. He emphasized the importance of art as a soft force in dealing with the global crisis, from geopolitical tension to digital disruption. Art is a bridge between nations, a reflection of courage, and the breath of freedom of expression.

Curated by Aminuddin TH Siregar, Verleden Heden presents historical narratives and roles of Indonesian art institutions, such as the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design ITB, ISI Yogyakarta, and ISI Bali. The archives and works exhibited illustrate the traces of important figures such as RJ Katamsi, the founder of ISI Yogyakarta, and Simon Admiraal who played a role in the birth of modern art education at ITB.

This symposium is also a meeting place across generations: presenting artists, academics, students, and the Indonesian diaspora community in the Netherlands in open discussions and workshops. Also present were the Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mayerfas, as well as the rectors of ISI Yogyakarta, ISI Bali, and representatives of ITB, including a number of academics and curators from Leiden University.