Robert Draws – The art performance Kabata Tanrasula, held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the Chandelier Room, Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, marked an important moment in celebrating cross-cultural collaboration and raising awareness of the struggle against colonialism. This art production is the result of collaboration between Indonesian and South African artists, fully supported by the Konstelasi Artistik Indonesia and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. The venue for the performance, Castle of Good Hope, a colonial fort built by the Dutch, holds deep meaning as it shares a similar architectural form with Fort Rotterdam in Makassar, linking the histories of Nusantara and South Africa.
Kabata Tanrasula was presented with the main theme of human resilience in the face of colonial brutality. This work highlights the strength of history and culture as the foundation of the struggle, illustrating how the fight against colonization remains relevant today. The name Kabata Tanrasula itself comes from a combination of two languages: North Maluku (Kabata, meaning poetry) and Makassar (Tanrasula, meaning the glory of humankind), reflecting the timeless spirit of struggle and culture.
This collaboration began as part of the art project Seeking Tuan Guru, which has progressed in three phases since late 2021. The first phase involved research and residency in Cape Town in February 2023. It’s followed by production incubation in Makassar in December 2024, and culminating in the final presentation in Cape Town in November 2024. Lasting 45 minutes, this performance integrates various art elements, including traditional Nusantara music, oral traditions, movement, lighting design, and visual animation, bringing to life the story of key figures in the history of colonial resistance.
Kabata Tanrasula tells the story of two significant figures in the fight against colonization. Syekh Yusuf Al-Makassari and Syekh Imam Abdullah Kadi Abdussalam, also known as Tuan Guru. Syekh Yusuf, born in Gowa on July 3, 1626, was a leader of the resistance movement against the Dutch in Nusantara. Meanwhile, Tuan Guru, who hailed from Tidore, established the first Muslim community in Cape Town, South Africa. It’s to preserve their cultural and religious identity from the colonial efforts to eradicate it.
The performance begins with a symbolic scene where musicians enter the stage carrying stones tied with white ropes. Symbolizing the burden of history that still weighs on us today. This dramatic atmosphere is amplified by the sound of stones hitting the wooden floor. Echoing throughout the room, representing the enduring power of history.
The narrative then moves to recount the birth of Syekh Yusuf and Tuan Guru. Each fighting in different continents, yet sharing the same spirit of resistance. Through oral tradition, using traditional instruments such as Sinrilik and Arababu. It’s combined with dramatic lighting by Mamedz, a mystical and emotional atmosphere is created. The audience is invited to reflect on the physical and spiritual resistance of these two figures. Who though separated by distance and time, share an unshakable fighting spirit.
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The production of Kabata Tanrasula involved many Nusantara artists who played a crucial role in bringing this work to life. Some of the composers involved include Aristofani from Makassar. Maskur Daeng Ngesa from Gowa, Atadengkofia from Ternate, Lawe Samagaha from Bogor, and Anggara Satria from Riau. Additionally, Agus Eko Triyono served as the videographer. While other supporting artists, such as director Ancoe Amar, lighting designer Mamedz, and artistic developer Isa Faizal. It’s ensured the quality of this production.
The event also garnered attention from various officials. This including Yazeed Kamaldien, a representative from the Castle of Good Hope. Daddy Yuliansyah, the Head of the Cultural Affairs and Information Section of the Indonesian Consulate General in Cape Town. Who emphasized the importance of cultural collaboration between Indonesia and South Africa. “This event reminds us that the struggle for freedom. Which has now been achieved by Indonesia and South Africa. It can also be felt by other countries, such as Palestine,” said Yazeed in a release received by Kompas.com.
Helza Amelia, the production manager of Kabata Tanrasula, explained that this art piece is not merely a performance but also a medium for reflecting on history and culture. “This production is the opening gate for the cross-cultural dialogue that we have built since the beginning,” she said. Highlighting the work’s purpose of fostering a broader conversation about history and culture.
By elevating the struggles of these two prominent figures, Kabata Tanrasula becomes a symbol that the fight against colonialism is part of our collective history. One that must continue to be nurtured and preserved through art and culture.
