A celebration of Indonesian folklore and history through a captivating theatrical performance in Singapore.
SINGAPORE, 15 February 2025 – The Singapore community witnessed a spellbinding performance at the Indonesian Culture Night (ICN) 2025 Senjakala – A Musical, held at the SOTA Drama Theatre. Organised by the Indonesian Students of NTU (PINTU), this annual musical theatre production showcased the richness of Indonesian folklore and history through a contemporary lens.
Since its inception in 2007, ICN has evolved into a professional student-led production, attracting thousands of audience members. This year’s performance, Senjakala, brought to life the struggles of Arya Rahma Aditya, a Yogyakarta-born theatre enthusiast determined to defy societal expectations and pursue his passion. However, his journey was fraught with personal and professional challenges, highlighting themes of ambition, perseverance, and redemption.
A Grand Theatrical Experience
The production was divided into two acts, featuring a compelling narrative interwoven with musical compositions and choreographed performances. Act 1 introduced Arya’s world in Yogyakarta, presenting pivotal moments such as Nirmala Nusantara and Legend of Merapi: Wrath of Merapi, where music and dance depicted the cultural heritage and folklore of Indonesia. The intensity built up with Odyssey and Worth of It: Menacing Fate, reflecting Arya’s inner conflicts.
Act 2 took the audience deeper into Arya’s emotional turmoil, exploring his shattered dreams and personal reckoning. Musical pieces like The Shell of Him: Fragments of the Past and Maybe, Just Maybe: Life Awaits portrayed his struggles, while the climactic Epilogue delivered a moving conclusion with Shadow of Light, Whispers Beneath the Sun, and The Last Goodbye.
Billy Muliorahardjo, the producer, shared, “Since its inception in 2007, ICN has always had the same mission – to deliver performances showcasing and preserving Indonesia’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Our productions have explored traditional folklore and contemporary stories, bringing them to a wider audience in Singapore.”
Through Senjakala, ICN 2025 successfully blended theatrical artistry with Indonesian heritage, fostering cultural appreciation and engagement. The performance resonated with audiences, further solidifying ICN’s role in celebrating and preserving Indonesia’s artistic legacy.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporters
