Jakarta, IO – Teater Koma successfully captivated its loyal audience during a performance of “Matahari Papua”, in Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, June 6, 2024,.
The 2.5-hour show, composed by the late Norbertus Riantiarno, deeply mesmerized the audience.
Directed by Rangga Riantiarno and Nino Bukir, “Matahari Papua” tells the story of a young man, Biwar (Lutfi Ardiansyah), and his mother, Yakomina (Netta Kusumah Dewi), who live in the Kamoro region of Papua, far from residential areas’ hustle and bustle.
The story begins when Biwar bids farewell to his mother and goes down to the river. While fishing, Biwar is startled by the screams of two girls being attacked by three lizards, minions of the dragon, the ruler.
Biwar immediately defeats the three attacking lizards and saves the girls, one of whom is Nadiva (Tuti Hartati). His heroic act soon blossoms into love.
Biwar is told a bitter truth about his father’s death: he was killed by the dragon. Biwar is determined to avenge this act and to kill the dragon, thus bringing restore peace to the land of Papua.
Social critic
Teater Koma has successfully presented numerous successful plays over the last 47 years; most – including the play “Matahari Papua” – address Indonesia’s social and political issues. “Matahari Papua” points at groups exploiting the natural resources of Papua without considering the local communities.
The 2.5-hour performance involved satires that provoked reflection as they resonated with Indonesia’s current conditions.
The late Norbertus Riantiarno brilliantly crafted the dialogue in “Matahari Papua” so that while it does not criticize the government, its message gets through to the audience.
The dragon represents the ruler, and Western countries are compared to colonizers. In addition, performers deliver strong criticisms of Indonesia’s current sociopolitical conditions, particularly in Papua.
“Matahari Papua” truly encapsulated the world’s injustices – those afflicting many people everywhere; it seeks to support those who rightfully deserve justice.
Director Rangga Riantiarno stated that the script of “Matahari Papua” was initially a short drama, performed in 2014. However, two years ago, his father completed Matahari Papua as a full-length script for staging. The events from many years ago still seem relevant to the current social context.
“My father was quite visionary. His writings from 20 years ago are still relevant today,” said Rangga Riantiarno at Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, on Thursday night, June 6, 2024.
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According to Rangga, the ideas and criticisms in the story will remain timeless, as long as oppressive practices exist.
“Even if it goes on stage 20 years from now, it will still be relevant as long as oppression and corrupted power exist. They are the dragons,” he explained.
“Matahari Papua” was performed on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 7.30 p.m.; on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 1.00 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.; and on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 1.00 p.m., at Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki. (des)
