Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Mayerfas attended the opening of the Indonesian Independence Revolution Exhibition at Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands on Thursday, (10/2). The exhibition was officially opened by representatives of Indonesian and Dutch governments. Indonesia was represented by Minister for Education, Culture Research and Technology, Anwar Makarin who gave his remarks in a video. The Netherlands was represented by the State Secretary for Culture and Media, Gunay Uslu.
The Indonesian Independence Revolution Exhibition was held from February 11 until June 5 2022. This exhibition showcased the historical moments from the Independence Proclamation on August 17 1945 until the return of President Soekarno to Indonesia on December 28 1949 when the Dutch handed over the power to Indonesia. These historical moments were showcased through 200 art collections and historical artifacts that represent the view of 20 history witnesses from the freedom fighters, artists, diplomats, politicians, and journalists.
According to the Minister, Anwar Makarin along with Dutch State Secretary for Culture and Media, Gunay Uslu, the exhibition could give a new perspective in studying the two countries' history. Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim also said that the experiences of the historical actors need to be listened to and studied.
Meanwhile, Dutch State Secretary for Culture and Media, Gunay Uslu said that the Netherlands and Indonesia shared a history that affected both nations. The revolution exhibition was expected to open the eyes and hearts of the two nation's people and make them closer. Similarly, Ambassador Mayerfas said that the exhibition could open the perspective of the two countries' people in understanding a historical period.
The collections showcased in the exhibition were among many the camera that recorded the Great Meeting at Ikada Square, private photo album of Rosihan Anwar, the sketch of Linggarjati Negotiation by Henk Ngantung, a painting by Sudarso of Tanja Dezentje -a former Dutch citizen who became Indonesian and fought for the nation in Indonesian independence diplomacy to the world.