Indonesia's Independence Spirit Can Be Nurtured Through Art and Social Care

Parfi ’56 collaborated with Keana Production and Dompet Dhuafa to stage a performing arts production during the Republic of Indonesia’s independence month. The artistic collaboration was performed at the Jakarta Art Building on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.

The performing arts production, imbued with a spirit of social care, presented a national orchestration that revived the history of Indonesia’s proclamation of independence through the language of art. The story of the struggle leading to the birth of the Republic was packaged in a performance that relied not only on historical narrative but also delivered an emotional experience for the audience.

Under the direction of Olivia Zalianty, Meradjoet Sendja was built through four narrative acts. Each act formed part of a story journey that took the audience through the atmosphere and dynamics preceding the birth of Indonesia’s proclamation of independence.

“The thinking of the nation’s founding figures as a liberation project, with their various ideas coming together to seize independence, I think it is very fitting that we roll out the red carpet for the nation’s founders,” said Olivia Zalianty on Thursday, 27 August 2026.

She said the use of a theatrical approach and national orchestration presented the historical event in a format closer to contemporary audiences. Art was seen as a medium for recalling the values of struggle, sacrifice, unity, and love for the homeland.

The performance at the Jakarta Art Building also served as an important moment in the Bakti Seniman Nusantara series. The programme demonstrated that the artistic stage can be not only a space for expression and entertainment but also a means of building solidarity and care for others.

Meanwhile, Parfi ’56 chairwoman Marchela Zalianty said the performance carried a strong social dimension and was committed to donating all ticket sales proceeds. The funds were designated for senior artists and underprivileged communities in need of support.

“The main activity of this event is Parfi’s social fund for cultural fighters, and the proceeds will be donated. The Meradjoet Sendja orchestra is a reflective dialogue of the nation’s founders, so that we may love one another more, and so that the collective memory of past fighters is carried on by our current generation,” she said.

The performing arts collaboration demonstrated the strength of combining art, production, and philanthropy on a single stage. Through Meradjoet Sendja, national history does not stop as a story of the past but is translated into a movement of care that can be felt directly.