The biennale that put RI on the map

I am deeply concerned about the latest issue on the CP Biennale II in Museum Bank Indonesia. While gaining recognition and positive publicity internationally; it was being misunderstood and misinterpreted nationally -- to the point that its founders decided to end the biannual art event, so this second one will be the last.

Sadly, the misunderstanding didn't only come from the public, but also from the artists involved. They didn't support the committee's decision to withdraw a misinterpreted artwork -- which was seen as pornographic by some people. Some of the artists reacted by taking down their artwork and some even withdrew their participation from the biennale in protest, refusing to attend and explain themselves to the public during the closing press conference held recently.

This CP Biennale II, as The New York Times wrote "the biennale that put Indonesia on the map", has become a stepping stone for Indonesian contemporary artists to an international forum. This private organization has received financial and participatory support from many art-associated forums internationally. It is indeed a great lost if the CP Biennale has come to an end.

Herewith, I would like to encourage everyone to be more proactive in facing differences, instead of reactively responding to a matter -- that will likely turn into a polemic. Our country has suffered enough from calamities and human errors, so let's make it a better place to live in. Grab and support any chance to become a nation that will be recognized internationally.

Let's educate our young, not by closing their eyes, but by teaching them how to overcome and choose responsibly. In this era of globalization and the internet, we have limited hands and eyes to supervise them, yet we could provide guidance, values and religious teachings to help them choose between the many options presented to them.

Maybe it is true that a true hero is never really appreciated in their hometown.

VIVI YIP, Jakarta