100 Years of Ali Sadikin: Jakarta urged to revive vision of a cultural city

A commemoration marking the 100th birth anniversary of Ali Sadikin, who served as Governor of DKI Jakarta from 1966 to 1977, has reignited discussions about his significant vision for transforming Jakarta into a city rich in culture and the arts, not just in physical and economic development.

Fauzi Bowo, a former Jakarta governor and former aide to Ali Sadikin, recalled Sadikin's conviction from the start of his leadership in 1968 that cultural development was inseparable from urban planning. Sadikin famously questioned the disappearance of artists from the Senen area, learning they lacked spaces to create. This spurred his belief that the government had a duty to provide such platforms for artists to create, innovate, and engage with the public.

Sadikin believed that a city's quality could not be measured solely by skyscrapers or economic growth. He viewed arts and culture as crucial indicators of a city's character, identity, and democratic dialogue. He advocated for the government to act as a facilitator, granting artists freedom from intervention while ensuring their responsibility to society.

“

From there, Bang Ali's belief was born that the government has an obligation to provide space for artists to create, innovate, and convey ideas to the public.

This philosophy led to the establishment of the Jakarta Arts Council (DKJ) in 1968 as a partner in fostering arts and culture, and the inauguration of the Jakarta Arts Center, later named Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), in the same year. Fauzi Bowo described TIM as more than just a venue; it was a home for Indonesian artists to create, learn, discuss, experiment, and connect with the public, fostering a vibrant arts ecosystem. During Sadikin's tenure, TIM hosted approximately 250 arts and cultural events annually, with affordable ticket prices to ensure accessibility for all.

Sadikin's commitment extended to education and local heritage preservation. The Jakarta Arts Education Institute (LPKJ), the precursor to the Jakarta Institute of Arts (IKJ), was founded in 1970, followed by the Jakarta Academy in 1973 to maintain cultural quality. In 1977, the Betawi Cultural Institute (LKB) was established to foster and develop Betawi arts and culture, managed by the community with government support.

“

TIM is not just a collection of performance buildings. TIM is a home for Indonesian artists to work, learn, discuss, experiment, and meet the public. That is where the art ecosystem is built.