In the ever-shifting discourse of national identity, KONGSI emerges not as a mere exhibition, but as a cultural compass—tracing the entwined roots of the Chinese and Nusantara peoples across centuries of migration, collaboration, and shared nationhood.
At the heart of KONGSI, an exhibition held at the National Gallery of Indonesia, lies a powerful narrative: that identity is not born in isolation, but in connection. Through over 300 historical and contemporary pieces—from inscriptions and textiles to immersive installations—the exhibition traces the enduring ties between the Chinese and the people of the Nusantara archipelago. The word kongsi, from Hokkien gongsi (公司), meaning “partnership”, becomes a metaphor for centuries of collaboration, cultural fusion, and shared nation-building.
The exhibition opens with early records of a Chinese presence in the archipelago, dating back to the 9th century. Ancient copper inscriptions like Prasasti Balawi and Kwak I point to the role of Chinese merchants and mixed-heritage (paranakan) communities in local governance and trade. Historical figures such as Admiral Cheng Ho are presented not only as explorers, but as cultural emissaries whose voyages laid the foundation for deep and lasting connections.
As Chinese communities migrated in larger numbers from provinces like Hokkien, Teochew, and Canton, they integrated with local populations, contributing significantly to the social and political fabric of Indonesia. A standout section highlights Chinese-Indonesians’ role in the independence movement. Figures like Sie Kong Lian, who offered his home for the Youth Pledge Congress, and Yo Kim Tjan, who recorded the Indonesia Raya anthem in the keroncong style, are honored for their pivotal contributions to nationalism.
Beyond resistance, Chinese-Indonesians also helped shape the nation’s intellectual and cultural life. Journalist and politician Liem Koen Hian advocated for civil rights in both media and parliament, while naval hero John Lie broke colonial blockades to aid the revolution. The exhibition salutes Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), whose leadership dismantled decades of anti-Chinese policy, earning him the affectionate title “Bapak Tionghoa Indonesia/Father of Chinese-Indonesians”.
Moving from history into daily life, KONGSI explores how Chinese influence seamlessly blended with local traditions. Objects appear such as the Tok Wi altar cloth, batik patterns by Oey Soe Tjoen and batik maestro Go Tik Swan (also known as Panembahan Hardjonagoro), along with a dragon-shaped water spout from Cirebon, revealing a merging of aesthetic and spiritual worlds. In Bali’s Barong Landung dance, the tale of a Chinese bride named Kang Cing Wie is woven into local mythology—brought to life beautifully through a costume made by Didik Nini Thowok. Wayang Potehi, a traditional cloth glove puppet theatre from southern Fujian, China, arrived in Java in the 18th century and soon became a vibrant part of many Sino-Javanese communities. Meanwhile, in Kalimantan, Dayak rituals began to incorporate Chinese ceramics and decorative motifs, blending cultural traditions in unique ways.
Language and literature form another layer of cultural convergence. The work of Asmaraman Sukowati, Kho Ping Hoo, Indonesia’s most prolific martial arts novelist, reflects a rich blend of Chinese folklore and Javanese storytelling. Contemporary artists such as Josephine “Obin” Komara, Christine Ay Tjoe, Indra Leonardi, and Ernest Prakasa carry that legacy into the present, each shaping a modern Indonesian identity that embraces complexity and diversity.
A final immersive installation, Pola-pola Bejana by Eldwin Pradipta and KiN Space, ties together the exhibition’s themes through sound, light, and symbolic patterns. Like the vessels of the past that carried goods and ideas across oceans, this contemporary work invites reflection on how history continues to shape identity in motion.
KONGSI is more than a celebration of cultural harmony—it is a reminder that Indonesia’s strength lies in its layered stories. Through shared struggles, blended traditions, and creative expression, the Chinese-Nusantara connection has become an essential thread in the nation’s cultural tapestry. This exhibition not only honors the past but also redefines the word as a living testament as to how cultural convergence has shaped the plural soul of Indonesia.
Photos by Stephanie Mamonto
