Oscar Motuloh says Adimaja’s Ursyalim work conveys the spiritual meaning of Jerusalem

Jakarta — Senior photo curator Oscar Motuloh has said that the book and photojournalistic exhibition ‘Ursyalim’ by ANTARA photojournalist Muhammad Adimaja presents the spiritual and humanitarian meaning of Jerusalem, closely aligning with the peace message in the historical film ‘Kingdom of Heaven’. ‘One thing closely related, so it’s not wrong to view this as a statement expressed by an actor in a film named Ghassan Massoud, who is known as Saladin in Kingdom of Heaven,’ Motuloh said at the opening of the exhibition at the ANTARA Heritage Center Museum in Pasar Baru, Jakarta, on Friday night. Motuloh cited the iconic dialogue in the Crusades-era film when Balian of Ibelin asks Saladin about the meaning of the city. ‘When Balian asks about the importance of the city, Saladin replies that the city is nothing, yet at the same time everything.’ The analogy, he said, illustrates the relationship between worldly vanities and the steadfast faith of people in the Holy City of Jerusalem, which is sacred to the three major world religions. He noted that Muhammad Adimaja’s photojournalistic work can present the visual reality and social dynamics of Palestinian society more closely to Indonesian audiences. ‘The launch of the book and photo exhibition Ursyalim can introduce the visual reality of the Holy City of Palestine to Indonesian society.’ The photo book Ursyalim collects around 100 selected photographs from Adimaja’s direct reporting in Jerusalem in February 2026. The works document social life, places of worship, and interactions among people amid the region’s historical significance and protracted conflict. Through photography, the exhibition also carries an important message about preserving historical heritage and promoting peace in Palestine. The exhibition is open to the public free of charge at the ANTARA Heritage Center Museum, Pasar Baru, Jakarta, from 22 to 29 May 2026. In addition to viewing the exhibition, visitors can obtain the photo book Ursyalim by scanning the Dompet Dhuafa barcode available at the venue. In addition to the exhibition and book launch, Adimaja will also hold a discussion about his Ursyalim works at Diskusi Taman Langit at the ANTARA Heritage Center, Pasar Baru, Jakarta on Friday (29 May) at 19:00 WIB.