A Snapshot of Indonesia's Rich Folklore
Parents reading bedtime stories to their children has long been a past time for many families. Among my favorites were the folk tale from Riau, "Bawang Merah dan Bawang Putih" ("Garlic and Shallot"), and the legend from East Java, "Timun Mas" ("Golden Cucumber"). Both convinced me that goodness and kindness will always triumph no matter what.
But these beautiful stories are rarely, if ever, heard today.
"Today's kids, with their iPads and YouTube, are more familiar with Western stories," said Renitasari Adrian, program director of Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation (BBDF), a non-profit foundation aimed at developing Indonesian traditional cultures. "Most of them no longer know any Indonesian folklore."
A similar concern is also shared by up-and-coming photographer Rio Wibowo.
"For two years, I've been having this dream of translating Indonesian folklore into artistic photos, with top Indonesian celebrities as the models, and then re-introduce these stories to today's young generation," said the 29-year-old.
The photographer, who is better known by his nickname Rio Motret (literally "Rio Takes Pictures"), has become famous for his talent at taking photographs of important moments in life – such as weddings and baby showers – and turning them in to dramatic images.
Among his clients are top Indonesian celebrities, such as pop singer Krisdayanti, actress and model Jessica Iskandar, and actress and model Sandra Dewi.
When Rio met Renitasari last year, he told her about his dream.
"I liked it," said the BBDF program director. "It's what we've been doing with our programs, translating Indonesian traditional cultures into modern times."
Rio proposed reimagining 17 popular Indonesian folk stories into 17 photos to exhibit in a public space so that today's young people can learn about the stories and appreciate them.
"I only knew about 10 Indonesian folk tales at most," Rio said. "But when I browsed the Internet, there are actually hundreds from all over the archipelago. I then chose the most iconic and the easiest to be visualized in a photo."
Among the 17 folk tales are those from Java, Bali and Sumatra. with 65 celebrities chosen to model for the photos.
"They were chosen based on their suitability to the characters," Rio said.
The photographer only wanted the best for his project, but somehow almost all the newsmaking celebs were included on his list for the project.
"And the project should also be supported by top make-up artists, fashion designers and stylists to make the photos look fabulous," he said.
It would, of course, take a gargantuan effort to bring them all together for the project.
"So I challenged him," Renitasari said. "Could he convince all these people to take part in the project? And what about the cost? A project that features a large number of top celebrities would definitely require a huge amount of money."
But to her surprise, Rio succeeded. He contacted all the celebrities, fashion designers, make-up artists and stylists and persuaded them to take part in his project – for free.
"They all agreed to work [for the project] without being paid," Rio said. "They believed it would be part of their contributions, as Indonesian citizens, to their country. I was so touched."
Fifteen designers, 12 make-up artists and six stylists also took part in the project.
"Some designers even created new pieces especially for the project," Rio said.
One of them was Mel Ahyar, who created a new collection for the photoshoot of "Ande-Ande Lumut," a folk tale originating from Central Java.
"When Rio asked me to participate in the project, I felt honored," Mel said. "His vision matches mine, which is to reintroduce Indonesian traditional culture to young generations through our work."
Actor Glenn Alinskie and his girlfriend, the actress Chelsea Olivia, posed as the characters Ande-Ande Lumut and Kleting Kuning in the photo, wearing chic, ready-to-wear items by Mel, adorned with cartoon illustrations of Batik Belanda (Dutch-style batiks) from the colonial era.
Jewelry designer Rinaldy A. Yunardi also created dozens of new pieces for the project.
"To be honest, I don't remember the exact number [created]," Rinaldy laughed.
"The process was quite complicated. I had to meet the stylists one by one and learned about their concepts, before I could make the jewelry pieces."
Some of Rinaldy's accessories worn during the photoshoot are currently being showcased in an installation at the Skybridge section of the Grand Indonesia mall in Central Jakarta.
"But I'm so proud to have participated in this project," Rinaldy said. "I think it's a good idea to remind the young generation and us of the long-forgotten folk tales."
The photos were taken around Jakarta and Bogor throughout June and July.
To be able to portray the folk tales accurately in the photos, the celebrities had to read the stories first.
"[Actress] Marsha Timothy and [actor] Vino G. Bastian were so into the story that they both cried during the photoshoot, which is a good thing as it created a very emotional feel in the photo," Rio said.
Both artists posed for the tale "Lutung Kasarung" from West Java, which tells the story of a monkey who falls in love with a princess.
Pop diva Krisdayanti was also in tears when she posed as Rara Mendut, a beautiful woman who turns down a wedding proposal from a very powerful king and chooses instead to die with her lover.
"But the most dramatic was the photoshoot for ‘Jaka Tarub dan Tujuh Bidadari’ [‘Jaka Tarub and the Seven Angels’]," Rio said.
The photoshoot for the tale from Central Java took place at a secluded waterfall in Bogor.
"All the artists and crew taking part hiked for hours to reach the waterfall. I truly admire that they were willing to go through it all without being paid at all," Rio said.
And the results are truly spectacular. The photos are currently on show in the East Mall atrium of Grand Indonesia.
"The photos are very interesting," said Kantoro Permadi, the senior marketing and communications manager of Grand Indonesia. "Our customers really take time viewing the photos and reading the stories."
Each photo comes with a brief synopsis of the folk tale and the list of artists, fashion designers, make-up artists and stylists who worked on the project.
"I believe it's a good thing that people come to the mall not only to shop or eat, but also to learn about Indonesian traditional folk tales," Kantoro said.
Together with the exhibition, the BBDF will also present a series of storytelling sessions at the Indonesian cultural center at the mall, Galeri Indonesia Kaya (GIK).
"The sessions are free of charges, but you have to register through our website," Renitasari said.
The photo exhibition, titles "Alkisah" ("Once Upon A Time"), will run until Aug. 23. The opening night last week was thronged by top artists and celebrities.
Pop diva Titi DJ and songstress Dewi Gita performed at the opening, both wearing golden gowns designed by Deden Siswanto.
"This is something new, in which a young photographer revives Indonesian traditional folk tales through his photography," Deden said. "It's something very positive. Hopefully this project will trigger today's young people to relearn their culture."
Deden lent five of his high-fashion pieces for the photoshoot of "Sangkuriang," a tale from West Java, and "Malin Kundang," from West Sumatra.
"The project is far from perfect," Rio said. "But hopefully, it can revive the sense of pride and patriotism among today's young generation."
After the Jakarta exhibition, Rio hopes to take his show to other cities. A schedule of the planned exhibitions is being finalized.
The Peak
–
For more information, check out IndonesiaKaya.com.