In the lead-up to Jakarta’s landmark 500th anniversary, the Jakarta Culture agency has launched the "Crimson Gilt" contemporary art installation at Bahari Museum in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. Organized in partnership with the Embassy of the Netherlands, the exhibition is slated to run from February 7 through April 7, 2026.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by North Jakarta Vice Mayor Fredy Setiawan. In his opening remarks, he underscored that Jakarta’s legacy as a pivotal port city is inextricably linked to the deep-seated history of colonialism and global maritime networks.

He further noted that the arrival of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in the early 17th century cemented the archipelago’s standing—specifically Sunda Kelapa—as a global crossroads for trade and a seat of colonial power during that era.

The "Crimson Gilt" theme serves as a poignant metaphor for this historical narrative, juxtaposing gold—symbolizing wealth and prosperity—with crimson, which evokes the stark memories of the colonial era.

The Bahari Museum was handpicked as the venue due to its profound historical significance; as a former VOC warehouse, the building stands as a silent witness to the colonial maritime bustle that once defined the Sunda Kelapa district.

"This exhibition transcends a mere artistic display; it serves as a catalyst for the public to grapple with our history, identity, and Jakarta’s enduring role within the global maritime tapestry," he remarked, Friday (2/6).

Fredy lauded the Dutch Embassy and artist Vincent Ruijters for the installation, which he described as an evocative piece that masterfully frames the collective memory of Jakarta’s maritime past.

"Hopefully, this showcase will draw a significant crowd and breathe new life into public interest regarding our shared maritime heritage," he concluded.

Jakarta Culture Agency Head, Retno Setiowati emphasized that the exhibition forges a historical bridge between the Jakarta Bahari Museum, the Hirado Dutch Trading Post in Japan, and the Het Scheepvaartmuseum in Amsterdam.

"Following its Jakarta run, the showcase is slated to travel to the National Bahari Museum in Amsterdam for a Dutch debut in September 2026," she revealed.

Setiowati asserted that the installation casts Jakarta as a pivotal node in the global maritime narrative, serving as a significant milestone in the city’s official countdown to its quincentenary (500th anniversary).

"I hope this exhibition serves as a wellspring of inspiration for interpreting Indonesia’s journey as a nation, while solidifying the museum’s position as a vibrant hub for global dialogue and cultural diplomacy," she added.

Meanwhile, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Netherlands Embassy, Adriaan Palm, emphasized that the collaboration holds significant strategic weight in bolstering bilateral ties through the lens of cultural diplomacy and shared maritime heritage.

He lauded the Jakarta Bahari Museum for its proactive stance in fostering a long-standing and sustainable partnership with the Netherlands.

"This cooperation is expected to yield tangible benefits, contributing meaningfully to the future prosperity of both the Indonesian and Dutch people," Palm concluded.