Hidden side of Ali Sadikin to be exhibited at TIM<\/p>\n
By Johannes Simbolon<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, a
\nbest-selling biography and a compilation of press interviews have
\nbeen published about Ali Sadikin, the former governor of Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Now a photo essay has been added to the list, revealing a
\nhidden side of his life.<\/p>\n
The Other Side of Ali Sadikin is the work of Umar Widodo, a
\nphotography student at the Jakarta Arts Institute. It will be
\nexhibited at the Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center until June 25.<\/p>\n
The exhibition, part of Umar's most recent assignment, has
\nreceived a deserved \"A\" from his instructors.<\/p>\n
The exhibition's attraction is Ali Sadikin himself. Many
\nvisitors have come to see one of the few Indonesians who has made
\na real contribution to the country in the past several decades.<\/p>\n
Ali was governor of Jakarta for two terms, from 1966 to 1977.
\nHe is still considered Jakarta's best governor.<\/p>\n
During his tenure as governor, he legalized gambling and
\nlocalized prostitutes, both of which sparked disputes. Many
\nIndonesians hate him, but others admire his bravery. Ali proved
\nto be a tough risk-taker and an angry but honest man.<\/p>\n
After leaving office, Ali joined Petisi 50 a group critical of
\nthe New Order Administration. He quickly became the group's
\nleader. The foreign press refers to him as the leader of
\nIndonesia's opposition.<\/p>\n
Subject<\/p>\n
On Thursday, Umar told a press conference attended by Ali that
\nhe did not chose Ali as his subject because of his political
\nstature.<\/p>\n
\"Bang Ali is important to me. In the first place, he founded
\nthe Taman Ismail Marzuki center, the institute where I am
\nstudying and where I am going to exhibit my works. He also built
\nJakarta, where I was born and raised,\" said Umar.<\/p>\n
Umar mailed his request to Ali in September 1995. Ali
\ntelephoned within two days, stating that Umar could follow him
\nanywhere and take photos anytime.<\/p>\n
Ali said he actually does not like having his picture taken.
\nHis photo albums contain only pictures taken at ceremonies when
\nhe was governor.<\/p>\n
\"I accepted Umar's request because he said that it was for his
\nstudies. He also said that his father died when he was still a
\nsmall boy. I am sympathetic towards him, because he has been an
\norphan since childhood, like me,\" explained Ali.<\/p>\n
The photo shoot lasted from September 1995 to May this year.<\/p>\n
The trademark photo of Ali commonly featured in newspapers
\nshows him scowling and brandishing his fist.<\/p>\n
\"I often told the journalists not to publish the photo because
\nit would create the misleading perception among the public that I
\ncan't smile. But the journalists always said, `It's a good
\npicture',\" Ali said.<\/p>\n
Umar reveals a different Ali. Photos depicting him as a
\npolitical activist include him debating with Adnan Buyung
\nNasution and posing with Permadi and Sri Bintang Pamungkas. But
\nmost of the photographs show him as a common man in moments of
\nhappiness, sorrow and playfulness. The pictures are human and
\ntouching.<\/p>\n
Ali's life has been shot from all sides: Ali as a grandfather
\nplaying with his grandchild; as the father; as the husband who is
\nbrooding beside the tomb of his first wife; as the 69-year-old
\nman who exercises diligently in order to stay healthy.<\/p>\n
Umar's skill is also amazing. He sometimes uses only symbols,
\nnot the man himself. To illustrate that Ali's speeches draw
\ncrowds, he shot a crowd with a wooden notice in the foreground
\nreading \"The Challenge of Democracy. Discussion with Bang Ali\".
\nAlthough Ali is not in the photo, it symbolically and poetically
\nillustrates the real Ali.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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