Title: Artistic Freedom Under Fire: Amnesty International Condemns Cancellation of Yos Suprapto Exhibition
In a move that has burned a red alert for freedom of expression in Indonesia, the cancellation of a controversial exhibition by renowned artist Yos Suprapto at the Galeri Nasional Indonesia has sparked controversy and condemnation from rights groups.
Usman Hamid, the Director of Amnesty International Indonesia (AII), has labelled the cancellation an alarming sign for the state of artistic freedom in the country. "This serves as a stark warning that freedom of expression in Indonesia is currently in a dangerous state," he stated during a discussion ‘Art as a Medium of Critiquing Power’ in Cikini, Jakarta last Sunday (22/12).
In the context of human rights (HAM), Usman explained that art is an integral part of freedom, enabling individuals to seek information and express ideas through various mediums, including artworks. Censorship of such expressions, he believes, is typically seen in totalitarian and authoritarian regimes.
Usman attributed the censorship of Suprapto’s work to three main reasons: disturbing political stability, violating religious or social norms. In Suprapto’s case, he suspected the cancellation was related to the exhibition’s central theme of land and food sovereignty, which may have become a platform for marginalized voices.
"Suprapto’s art is a bridge for society, including their political dynamics and struggles," Usman commented.
International concern was echoed by Suwarno Wisetrotomo, the exhibition’s curator, who criticized two of Suprapto’s pieces,"Kebangkitan: Tanah untuk Kedaulatan (Rise: Land for Sovereignty)," for not aligning with the exhibition’s theme and for exceeding artistic boundaries.
In contrast, Galeri Nasional officials claimed the cancellation was due to technical issues, promising to reschedule and engage with Suprapto for a resolution.
The cancellation has raised eyebrows over Galeri Nasional’s independence, with many questioning if external pressures influenced the decision. Regardless, Suprapto’s work remains a symbol of artistic resistance and an affront to those who seek to silence dissenting voices.
(mnf/tsa)
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