A captivating fusion of theatrical art and timeless cultural heritage

Batavia PIK introduces a groundbreaking development in the world of entertainment and culture with the presentation of Batavia Tales, an inspiring and meaningful musical performance. Held at Alun-alun Batavia PIK, this show invites the audience to explore the 19th-century history of Batavia through stories of love, friendship, struggle, and adventure. More than just a spectacle, Batavia Tales acts as a time bridge, bringing to life the spirit of the Batavia community of the past.

This work is a collaboration between Batavia PIK and mhyajo—renowned director and scriptwriter—who has successfully transformed historical stories into an engaging musical tetralogy. The four episodes of this performance feature eight fictional characters, each representing different aspects of the Batavia community during the Dutch colonial period, from 1890 to 1910.

The first episode, titled The Whispers of Batavia, opens the story with a cross-cultural romance between Ahmad Rahman Marzuki, an intellectual of Aceh-Jazirah descent, and Mei Lian Kang, a young woman of Chinese-Indonesian descent. They face social challenges due to the ethnic segregation policies implemented by the colonial government. The conflict they experience reflects the social realities of the time, becoming a symbol of the struggle for unity and justice.

The performance enriches the audience's experience by incorporating cultural symbols such as batik, rijsttafel, and barongan. These elements are not just visual ornaments but also representations of the acculturation of Nusantara culture. The harmonious blend of music and choreography further enhances the atmosphere, making each scene more captivating.

The subsequent episodes—Whimsical Batavia, Echoes of Batavia, and Sailing of Batavia—explore themes of Nusantara legends, nationalism, and maritime adventures, all conveyed through a powerful narrative and stunning visuals.

Batavia Tales is the result of a long process that began in 2024, starting with historical research, scriptwriting, and open auditions that involved talents from various regions, such as Java and Sumatra. The training process was facilitated directly by Batavia PIK as part of its commitment to supporting the development of Indonesian arts and culture.

The performance has been held regularly every Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 PM WIB since April 19, 2025, free of charge. Going forward, Batavia PIK is expected to become a collaborative space that supports Indonesian artists in continuing to create and share the nation's rich cultural heritage with a wider audience.

photo source : instagram.com/nadiahastarini

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