Remembering Rendra
Rendra knew on whose side he stood
Rendra created a bridge from the anti-communist student activism of the late 1960s to the pro-Left activists of the 1980s and 1990s but he never crossed it
Javanese mystic
Rendra's artistic practice was grounded in reality, Javanese poetics and martial arts
Engaging with America
When Rendra returned from three years study in New York in 1967 the innovations he introduced into modern Indonesian theatre signalled the wider impact he would have on Indonesian cultural and political life
Rendra and martial arts
Bangau Putih martial arts and Rendra enriched each other
Rendra the Muslim
At times Rendra played the role of the conventional Muslim
Poems and pictures
These 1979 Rendra postcards were illustrated by the New Art Movement painter Hardi, who had also attracted the unwelcome attention of the authorities
Taking poetry to the people
Rendra made poetry a part of the New Order culture of opposition
Rendra and women
Rendra was charmed by and concerned for women, particularly the oppressed
Inspired by Rendra
Art has a role to play in achieving social change
Latest Articles
Fiction: Pasung
Nov 22, 2019 - MAYESTICA DE JONG
His gaze is fixated on an indeterminate spot behind me, his arms hang loosely by his sides. Wearing nothing but a pair of faded black shorts, his ribs and collar...
Contraception at a crossroads
Nov 11, 2019 - LOUISA-ANNE BUWALDA
Indonesia’s 50-year-old family planning program has been a great success but is struggling to adapt with women’s needs
Hunger and culture in West Papua
Oct 30, 2019 - SOPHIE CHAO
Oil palm projects are causing hunger in Merauke, both literal and symbolic
Subscribe to Inside Indonesia
Receive Inside Indonesia's latest articles and quarterly editions in your inbox.
Lontar Modern Indonesia
A selection of stories from the Indonesian classics and modern writers, periodically published free for Inside Indonesia readers, courtesy of Lontar