WARISAN INDONESIA MAGAZINE Vol.02 No.16

Dear kind readers,

Indonesia has a myriad of traditional artists willing to sacrifice their life for art. Unlike the life of pop artists that brims with negotiations before they go onstage, most of these traditional artists prefer “happiness” onstage or at least their works be watched or seen by the public.

It was probably why many of them now living in hardship because the path they chose when they were younger could not provide a living for their old days. An exception if during their productive years they follow the way of the pop artists. How do they live their life in their old age now? You can find it out in GONG. Endo Suanda, an observer of performing arts, called our attention—in the column of key interview, that the ones accountable for their condition is not only the government but the entire society, including us.

Peeking into the life of traditional artists can at least remind us that they have contributed for the country with their talents and arts until their old days. The article tries to emphasis to us, that the progress of Indonesian art and culture history receives a direct influence from them.

Such spirit encourages Warisan Indonesia to collaborate with Gambara Visual Culture Community in creating joint programs, including arrange a photo competition of Gambara Award 2012—this time with the theme Flores Revival. As we report in JENDELA, the Managing Director of Warisan Indonesia Trisakti Simorangkir explicated that the program is organized to reveal the social realities in the regions to the public.

Our features are attempts to remind ourselves on wonderful subjects in the Archipelago that the public need to know. In the column LANGUAGE, Donny Iswandono from Warisan Indonesia visited West Halmahera recently to trace a number of local languages that are almost extinct. What saddens us, the regional government admitted that they have not done much for the preservation of languages in their area.

In the column CUSTOM CEREMONY, we feature the tenongan tradition of Central Java, held every Muharam month, which serves as a bridge for religious differences. Also, do not miss the perspectives of composer Slamet Abdul Sjukur (INTERVIEW), Ayu Utami (FIGURE), and Happy Salma (PROFILE).

We would be very happy if you could send us information on cultural events in your area for us to cover. We look forward to any news from you, please send it to redaksi@warisanindonesia.com.

Warm greetings from us,
Rita Sri Hastuti/Chief Editor