Painter Nasirun Dies, Javanese-themed Works Become Heritage

Nasirun, an artist from Cilacap, Central Java, died in Yogyakarta, Saturday, August 1. (Photo: M. Asrian Mirza)

JAKARTA - The world of Indonesian fine art has lost one of its important painters. Nasirun, a painter from Cilacap, Central Java, died in Yogyakarta, Saturday, August 1.

Based on the information collected, Nasirun's body was buried on Saturday Kliwon, August 1, 2026, at 14.00 WIB at the Seniman Girisapto Imogiri Cemetery, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon expressed his condolences through his X account. Fadli called Nasirun an Indonesian painter maestro.

"Selamat jalan Mas Nasirun, seorang maestro perupa Indonesia," tulis Fadli Zon di X.

Fadli said Indonesia lost one of the best artists of this time.

"We lost a great artist, one of the best Indonesian artists in this era. He was called by the Almighty this morning at 6 am. May he find the best place by the side of Allah SWT," he wrote.

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Museums and Cultural Heritage, M. Asrian Mirza, also expressed his condolences at Nasirun's death. He called Nasirun one of Indonesia's great painters.

"We lost one of the great painters. Nasirun's works are collected by officials, high officials, and art lovers. One of them is the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon," said Asrian via cellphone Saturday, August 1.

Asrian assessed that Nasirun's works would remain alive even though the painter had passed away. "Goodbye Nasirun. His work is eternal," he said.

Nasirun was born in Cilacap on October 1, 1965. He is known as a painter, artist, art collector, and painting art maestro who uses many Javanese cultural elements in his works.

Although born from a family of workers and farmers on the southern coast of Java, Nasirun has been interested in art since childhood. This interest grew from wayang kulit, not only from the story, but also the shape, ornaments, and colors.

Nasirun studied art at the Yogyakarta School of Art and graduated in 1983. He then continued his education in the Department of Painting, Faculty of Art, Yogyakarta Art Institute in 1987 and graduated in 1994.

Nasirun's name is not only known in Indonesia. His works are also said to be known in Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America.