Robert Draws – Journey of Henk Ngantung takes us through the remarkable life of a man who was not only a renowned artist but also the Governor of DKI Jakarta for a brief yet impactful time. Today, June 22, 2023, marks the 496th anniversary of Jakarta, and it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the individuals who have shaped the city’s history, especially its leadership. One of the most notable figures in Jakarta’s political history is Henk Ngantung, a man whose contributions to art and governance continue to be remembered.
Hendrik Hermanus Joel Ngantung, known as Henk Ngantung, was born on March 1, 1921, in Manado, North Sulawesi. He was the son of Arnold Rori Ngantung and Maria Magdalena. From a young age, Henk had an undeniable passion for painting and had set his sights on becoming a painter. Despite lacking formal education in the arts, he became a self-taught sketch artist, often referred to as an autodidact in the world of Indonesian art.
Henk Ngantung moved to Jakarta, then known as Batavia, in 1944. Despite being a self-taught artist, he was able to showcase his work in exhibitions organized by the Dutch colonial government. His breakthrough came in 1937 when he had the opportunity to exhibit his paintings at the Bataviasche Kunstkring, a cultural venue owned by the Dutch colonial government. This exhibition placed him alongside other prominent Indonesian artists like Soedjojono, Agus Djaya, and Emiria Soenassa.
Henk Ngantung continued to engage in the art scene during the Japanese occupation and the Dutch aggression, further solidifying his place in Indonesian art history. In 1946, he founded the Gelanggang Seniman Merdeka (Free Artists’ Arena), an organization that brought together renowned figures such as Chairil Anwar, Mochtar Apin, Basuki Resobowo, and Asrul Sani. His deep ties with Indonesian President Sukarno also led to him becoming part of the National Council, which was the precursor to the Supreme Advisory Council.
Henk Ngantung’s transition from the art world into politics came when President Sukarno appointed him as the Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta for the 1960-1964 term under Governor Soemarno Sosroatmodjo. During this period, Henk Ngantung contributed to various developmental projects, including designing the Welcome Monument to greet foreign dignitaries during the 1962 Asian Games. His work helped beautify Jakarta and make it more organized.
In 1964, Henk Ngantung was appointed as the Governor of DKI Jakarta, succeeding Soemarno, who became the Minister of Home Affairs. Henk Ngantung’s appointment was historic as he became the first Chinese-Indonesian to lead Jakarta. Unfortunately, his tenure was short-lived. He served as governor for only 11 months, from August 27, 1964, to July 15, 1965, making him one of the shortest-serving governors in Jakarta’s history. People still don’t know the reasons for his removal from office, and many speculate that political turbulence played a role in his downfall.
After his removal, Henk Ngantung faced personal and professional difficulties. He was even accused of being a member of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), a claim that lacked solid evidence. Despite this, his reputation as a prominent figure in Indonesian arts and politics persisted.
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Although his time as governor was brief, Henk Ngantung’s legacy in the art world remains strong. One of his most famous works is the Welcome Monument located at the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout in Jakarta. He designed this monument as a symbol to welcome guests during the 1962 Asian Games. He also sketched the emblem of DKI Jakarta and the Kostrad military command. His artwork of Gajah Mada, the legendary military leader, inspired the statue of Gajah Mada at the Indonesian National Police Headquarters.
Another significant piece is his painting titled “Memanah” (Archery), which depicted President Sukarno as the model. The painting became a symbol of the nation’s spirit. Sukarno himself had wanted to buy the painting but was told it was unfinished. Sukarno insisted on becoming the model to complete the work, making it a historic moment. They later displayed the painting in Sukarno’s home, and it became a part of Indonesia’s history.
Additionally, Henk Ngantung created sketches of important figures such as Sutan Syahrir, Sitor Situmorang, and Gadjah Mada. They compiled these sketches in a book titled Sketsa-Sketsa Henk Ngantung (Sketches of Henk Ngantung), which they published in 1981.
Following his removal from the governorship, Henk Ngantung returned to his true passion—painting. Despite struggling with heart disease and glaucoma, which led to partial blindness, Henk Ngantung continued to create art. In the late 1980s, he would paint with his face almost touching the canvas, using a magnifying glass to assist him.
Before his death, Henk Ngantung held his final exhibition, sponsored by businessman Ciputra. Sadly, Henk Ngantung passed away on December 12, 1991, due to heart failure. They buried him at the Menteng Pulo Cemetery in South Jakarta.
Though his time in office was brief, Henk Ngantung’s contributions to both the arts and the development of Jakarta leave a lasting legacy. People remember him not only as an artist but also as a figure who left his mark on the history of Jakarta.
