PDIP Official Denounces Art Exhibition Cancellation, CitingAutocratic Tendencies
PDIP’s Deputy Secretary-General, Deddy Yevri Sitorus, has broken his silence regarding the abrupt cancellation of Yos Suprapto’s solo exhibition, "Rise: Land for Food Sovereignty," scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2024. Echoing concerns shared by many, Deddy likened the move to the intimidating practices of authoritarian states.
In an exclusive statement, Deddy asserted, "The cancellation of this exhibition is a stark reminder of the sort of authoritarian practices that have characterized our past. It seems like we’re sliding back into the dark days of colonial rule and pre-reform era practices."
The event’s abrupt cancellation has stirred controversy, with many viewing it as an affront to artistic freedom and a troubling sign of growing intolerance. Yos Suprapto’s evocative depictions of agricultural landscapes and social issues have long been a voice for the voiceless, making his scheduled exhibition all the more significant.
Deddy’s sentiments echo those expressed by PDIP earlier, with party spokesperson Gumelar stating, "This isn’t just about one exhibition; it’s about the right to express, debate, and challenge ideas publicly." He added, "This seems like another example of the Orba tendency that’s been creeping into our society."
In light of Deddy’s remarks, PDIP has called for a transparent investigation into the cancellation, insisting that freedom of expression is a fundamental right that must be protected. Meanwhile, the art community and civil society organizations are mobilizing to challenge what they perceive as a worrying trend.
