Archipelago Cultural Bridge “Moon Above Borobudur”
JAKARTA-JAYA NEWS.COM – A serene atmosphere was felt upon entering the exhibition space of the Kampoeng Semar Gallery in Magelang, Central Java, where a group painting exhibition titled “Moon Above Borobudur” was taking place.
The exhibition, organized by Kampoeng Semar, featured artists from the Indonesian Painters Association (Aspen), chaired by Kembang Sepatu.
The artists, from various regions in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek), Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, and Magelang, captivated visitors with their works, which visualized the beauty and serenity of Borobudur Temple in the moonlight.
A Warm and Admired Opening
The opening ceremony took place on Sunday (December 7, 2025) at 4:00 PM WIB and was attended by the Regent of Magelang, Grengseng Pamuji; the Director of PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko; Mardijono Nugroho; the Head of the National Police Education and Training Institute (Lemdiklat) Commissioner General of Police Prof. Dr. Chryshnanda Dwilaksana, MSi; the Advisor of Aspen, Dr. Drs. H. Sarnadi Adam, MSn; the Advisory Board of Aspen, Dr. Dio Pamola Chandra, SPd, MSn; and Yohanes Handoyo Budiesedjati; the General Chair of the Golden Indonesia Community Forum (FORMAS); Indonesian artists and painters who are members of Aspen; curators; art enthusiasts; and several cultural figures.
In his remarks, the Director of Fine and Performing Arts at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Dr. Dadam Mahdar, SSos, MHum; stated that this exhibition is not just a gathering of artworks, but a cultural event that brings together ideas, imagination, and national identity.
The theme “Moon Above Borobudur” presents symbols of beauty, serenity, and spiritual reflection, blending with the splendor of Borobudur, a world heritage site.
Through the works of Indonesian painters, we are invited to reflect on the relationship between humans and nature, history, and the noble values passed down from our ancestors.
“We express our deepest appreciation to Kampoeng Semar, Aspen Jabodetabek, Aspen Magelang, Aspen Solo Raya, Aspen Semarang, Aspen Yogyakarta, and the Magelang Arts Community for collaborating in presenting this exhibition,” said the Chairman of Aspen Kembang Sepatu.
The presence of Betawi art performances, including the Ondel-ondel (a puppet) performed by Suprayogi, and the Topeng Geprak Betawi dance, beautifully performed by Indi Moza Purnomo, also enriched the atmosphere, demonstrating how diverse Indonesian cultural expressions can unite on one stage.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and the Creative Economy Agency continue to support artists’ efforts in strengthening the visual and performing arts ecosystem.
Art is a vital part of the creative economy, providing not only aesthetic value but also opening economic opportunities, strengthening national identity, and strengthening brotherhood.
“Hopefully, this exhibition will inspire the public, broaden appreciation for fine art, and strengthen our commitment to preserving and developing the richness of Indonesian culture. Let us make art a light that illuminates life, just as the moon shines over Borobudur.
This theme was chosen because Borobudur serves not only as a historical landmark but also as a spiritual space that holds natural wonders, especially when the moon hangs over its majestic structure,” explained Kembang Sepatu.
The opening ceremony was marked by a simple yet symbolic ceremony. Dr. Dadam Mahdar painted the canvas, followed by Commissioner General of Police Prof. Dr. Chryshnanda Dwilaksana MSi, Yohanes Handoyo Budiesedjati from FORMAS, Magelang Regent Grengseng Pamuji, and several invited guests, as a sign of “awakening the light” in the art space.
Touching Works That Interpret Silence
A total of 36 painters, including Agus Salim, Anugrah (Ugo), Anwar Rosyid, AR Tanjung, Arifin Jombor, As Adi, Cecilia D Kristiari, Chryshnanda Dwilaksana, Dolly, Fahrudin, Gatot Eko Cahyono, Hatmojo, I Made Wira Hadikesuma, Joko Kisworo, Joko Piono, Kembang Sepatu, M Adien, M Sodik, Made Arya Dedok, Maswit, Mumuh Agus Muchtadji, Ni Made Sri Andani, Non-Os Purwono, Nurfu Ad, Priyo PR, Pustanto, Samodro, Sarnadi Adam, Sentot Widodo, Smedi Kumis, Sukriyal Sadin, Thomas Black Area, Tomy Faisal Alim, Yomi Arizal, Yunti Ars, and Yusron, took part in this exhibition.
The works on display range from realistic styles depicting the Borobudur Temple landscape in detail to abstract styles interpreting the moon as spiritual energy.
Visitors appear to move slowly from one work to another, as if invited to embark on a visual meditation journey.
Visitor Enthusiasm
The exhibition’s opening was well-attended by art lovers, art communities, the general public, and tourists. Many visitors expressed their admiration for how the theme of the moon could be interpreted in such diverse ways by the artists.
“The peace that emerges when viewing this exhibition. It’s like sitting at Borobudur at night,” said one visitor.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
This exhibition not only presents visual works but also offers a contemplative experience.
Borobudur is positioned as a symbol of the steadfastness of Indonesian culture, while the moon serves as a metaphor for the inner light that illuminates life’s journey.
The unity of these two elements makes the “Moon above Borobudur” exhibition not only an aesthetic spectacle, but also an invitation to appreciate cultural heritage and pause in silence.
The “Moon above Borobudur” exhibition will run until December 30, 2025, at the Kampoeng Semar Gallery on Jl. Kanggan, Tanjungan, Borobudur District, Magelang, Central Java, and is open to the public.
The organizers hope this activity will strengthen the artist network and enrich the discourse on Indonesian art, particularly in drawing inspiration from cultural sites in the archipelago.**
Taryani
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