Mutiara Sani invites young people to explore Asrul Sani's ideas

Mutiara Sani, chair of the Pelaku Sanggar Pelakon Foundation, has invited young people to get to know Asrul Sani and to explore the ideas expressed in the works of the Indonesian literary figure and film personality.

“I very much hope that today’s generation will not only know Asrul Sani’s name as a historical figure, but will also be able to explore his ideas,” she said at the opening of the exhibition “Asrul Sani: Berkelana ke Masa Lampau, Terdampar ke Masa Kini” at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta, on Friday.

The exhibition “Asrul Sani: Berkelana ke Masa Lampau, Terdampar ke Masa Kini” provides a moment to remember Asrul Sani as one of the important figures in the history of Indonesian culture.

“This exhibition must not stop merely as a fleeting commemoration or tribute,” said Mutiara, the wife of the late Asrul Sani.

“This moment is an invitation for all of us to return to reading, understanding, and reviving the spirit that he always upheld,” she said.

She noted that during his lifetime Asrul Sani regarded art not only as a means of expression, but also as a form of moral responsibility.

Asrul Sani sought to present humanitarian and national values as well as reflections on life in his poetry, short stories, plays, and films.

Mutiara said that Asrul Sani’s works contain reflections on love, struggle, honesty, and human responsibility.

According to her, the critical thinking, creative courage, and commitment to humanity and nationhood shown by Asrul Sani can serve as an example for today’s young people.

The exhibition, organised by the Jakarta Arts Council, presents archives and documentation of Asrul Sani’s creative journey in the history of Indonesian culture and cinema.

Visitors can also take part in cross-generational discussions, film screenings, and readings of his works during the exhibition.

Asrul Sani was known as a poet, writer, translator, theatre artist, educator, screenwriter, director, and cultural institution builder.

He was among the pioneering writers of the Angkatan ’45 generation. Together with Chairil Anwar and Rivai Apin, he published a poetry collection titled “Tiga Menguak Takdir.”

Asrul Sani was also known as a screenwriter and director. Films closely associated with his name include “Lewat Djam Malam” (1954), “Apa Jang Kau Tjari, Palupi?” (1969), “Kejarlah Daku Kau Kutangkap” (1986), and “Nagabonar” (1987).