Indonesiantalk.com — In commemoration of Muhammadiyah’s 122nd anniversary, the Arts and Culture Institute of Muhammadiyah Regional Executive (PWM) DKI Jakarta proudly presents the National Drama Performance “Sang Surya Di Atas Lautan” on Wednesday, November 26, 2024, at the Teater Besar Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) in Jakarta.
This performance tells the inspiring story of the life and struggle of one of Indonesia’s and Muhammadiyah’s most prominent figures, Ir. H. Djuanda, who is fondly remembered as the Father of the Archipelago and a National Hero.
The drama portrays Djuanda’s journey, highlighting his contributions as Indonesia’s last Prime Minister and the architect of the historic Djuanda Declaration—a significant milestone in Indonesia’s maritime history.
Djuanda’s legacy is celebrated for his tireless dedication to defending the nation and advancing Indonesia, particularly in shaping the country’s maritime boundaries, which have since become integral to its sovereignty.
Appreciation from the Djuanda Family
Ismeth Wibowo, the grandson of Ir. H. Djuanda, expressed his deep appreciation for the performance. “I truly admire this national drama initiative organized by the Arts and Culture Institute of PWM DKI Jakarta.
Highlighting the struggle of a Muhammadiyah figure who was also a National Hero in the nation-building process is a noble endeavor. I hope this inspires the younger generation and all of us,” said Ismeth, who is also the Commissioner of PT Sunra Distributor Indonesia.
Also in attendance were members of the Djuanda family, including Ir. H. Djuanda’s youngest daughter, Mrs. Noorwati Djuanda, as well as his grandchildren such as Iwanshah Wibisono (former Head of the Protocol Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat), Andre Djuanda, Shahandra Hanitiyo (Secretary-General of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency), and other family members.
Esteemed Guests and Enthusiastic Young Audience
The performance was attended by several prominent figures, including Dr. Akhmat Abubakar MM, Chairman of Muhammadiyah DKI Jakarta, Prof. Agus Suradika, Imam Bumiayu, as well as representatives from BCA Central Office, Mrs. Hanum and Mrs. Endang.
Hundreds of students from various educational levels, from elementary to high school, also attended the performance, demonstrating their enthusiasm for the values of struggle and nationalism conveyed through this powerful drama. Their presence underscored the growing interest among the younger generation in learning about their nation’s history and values.
A Moving and Captivating Performance
“Sang Surya Di Atas Lautan” was presented in two sessions: the first from 13:00-15:00 WIB, attended by students and teachers, and the second from 19:30-21:15 WIB. The performance captivated the audience, drawing them into the narrative of Djuanda’s journey and his profound contributions to Indonesia’s independence and maritime policies.
Dr. Nurlina Rahman, Vice Chair of the Arts and Culture Institute of PWM DKI Jakarta, served as the primary narrator, guiding the audience through a powerful retelling of Djuanda’s struggles and accomplishments in securing Indonesia’s freedom and establishing its maritime boundaries.
A Deeply-Researched Production
The production of this national drama began with a visit to the Djuanda family residence in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, on June 14, 2024. The family granted permission for their beloved patriarch’s life story to be adapted into a drama.
A thorough research process was carried out, including the study of historical books, films, and other sources, which took several months to complete. The end result was a compelling and emotional performance that brought Ir. H. Djuanda’s life and legacy to the stage in a truly remarkable way.
Djuanda’s Struggle: From Education to the Djuanda Declaration
Ir. H. Djuanda’s journey began in Muhammadiyah’s educational institutions in 1934. Despite receiving lucrative offers to work abroad, he chose to dedicate his life to serving his country through Muhammadiyah.
His commitment to the nation never wavered, even during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia. In 1945, Djuanda led the youth movement of Muhammadiyah to seize control of the railway system in Jakarta.
In 1953, Djuanda was appointed as Indonesia’s Minister of Transportation and Head of the Railway Office by President Sukarno. However, his most enduring legacy remains the Djuanda Declaration of December 13, 1957, which extended Indonesia’s maritime borders from 12 to 200 miles and was recognized by the United Nations in 1982. This declaration transformed Indonesia into the world’s largest maritime nation.
