Jakarta (ANTARA) – South Korea and Indonesia are highlighting their shared history of journey for freedom and independence through a photo exhibition in Jakarta, as the two countries seek to deepen cultural ties.
The exhibition, titled “My Wish, Our Wish: Road to Freedom” runs from August 12 to 31 at the ANTARA Heritage Center, a historic site associated with the dissemination of news about Indonesia’s declaration of independence.
Chung Hae-Kwan, Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Indonesia, said the exhibition was intended to commemorate figures who dedicated their lives to independence while highlighting common historical values between the two countries.
“Indonesia and Korea have different histories and cultures, but the two countries share a common journey in pursuing the cherished ideals of freedom and independence,” Chung said at the exhibition’s opening on Wednesday.
South Korea marks its Liberation Day on August 15, two days before Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day on August 17.
The exhibition features photographs and videos of Kim Koo, a prominent figure in Korea’s independence movement, as well as his writings and a Taegeukgi, or South Korean national flag, bearing his original signature.
Kim Koo devoted his life to Korea’s independence and envisioned a country that would contribute to global peace and shared prosperity through cultural development, Chung said.
Indonesia’s independence journey is represented through materials related to President Soekarno’s reading of the Proclamation of Independence, a handwritten manuscript by poet and independence fighter Chairil Anwar, and materials on Adam Malik, one of ANTARA’s founders who played a role in preparing reports on the proclamation.
Chung said the exhibition was more than an exercise in looking back at history, arguing that remembering the past could reaffirm values that should be preserved and provide a foundation for the future.
He said the shared historical experience could also support closer cultural exchanges between the two countries, including amid the growing popularity of Korean pop culture in Indonesia.
The exhibition is organised by ANTARA’s Educational Institutions Department in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center Indonesia (KCCI). It is being held to mark the designation of 2026 as the year commemorating the 150th anniversary of Kim Koo’s birth, as well as Indonesia’s 81st anniversary of independence.
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Translator: Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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