Refleksi-Refleksi
Sirihstel, Surakarta approx. 1901. Wedding gift from Pakubuwono X to Queen Wilhelmina and Prince Hendrik. Royal Collection. Photographer: Jasmijn Tolk
New exhibition starts 17 October 2024

‘Refleksi-Refleksi’ reflects historical relationship between Indonesia and the Netherlands

Refleksi-Refleksi is Indonesian for reflections: a contemplation on a certain subject, from one or more perspectives. In this exhibition, silver objects chronicle the relationship between Indonesia and the Netherlands. From the first trade connection to the beginning of the Indonesian Republic. It is a shared history in which cultures have influenced one another in terms of language, food, architecture and customs. The exposition can be seen from October 17th, 2024 to September 29th, 2025.

Continue reading down below. 

Customs and gifts

New markets and political relationships

The most important trade goods brought from the Indonesian archipelago to the Netherlands included spices, coffee, tea and sugar. This resulted in the production of new objects such as tea canisters, coffee pots, tobacco boxes and nutmeg graters. These products were initially only available to the wealthy upper layer of Dutch society. In Indonesia, Dutch traders tried to maintain good ties with the local monarchs. They delved into customs such as chewing Sirih plums. Both parties gifted one another gold and silver objects. As more people travelled and moved to the archipelago new markets grew. One example was the growing need for travel paraphernalia and home furnishings. Silver manufacturer Van Kempen Begeer & Vos responded to this new market development by opening new stores on Java.

Image: Spittoon, Batavia 2nd half 17th century Rijksmuseum
Image: Drawing of Yogya silver, Wereldmuseum
The past leaves its traces

From peaceful coexistence to resistance

Not everyone viewed the traces left by the Netherlands in Indonesia as positive. Sometimes this led to resistance. A silver spoon can lead to a visitor discovering the story of Surapati and how his life changed from enslaved to that of a freedom fighter. Men who refused to do their compulsory military service in the Indonesian War of Independence after 1945 were imprisoned in the harbour barracks in Schoonhoven. Today this same building houses the Dutch Silver Museum. Visitors are invited to discover the different perspectives on history and consider their own point of view.

Press inquiries: Get in contact with Ingeborg Dijkman

A sneak peak

Listen to the podcast!

For those who would like to delve deeper into the subject matter prior to their visit, there will be an interesting and somewhat surprising podcast series with radio presenter Fresco Sam-Sin. The programme Onvoltooid Verleden OVT (translates to Unfinished Past) led to his popularity in the Netherlands. (Podcast is spoken in Dutch)

Next episodes are planned on:

Thursday November 7th Click here for more information.

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Discover the exhibition Refleksi-Refleksi

Go on treasure hunt

In our new exhibition Refleksi-Refleksi, silver objects tell stories about the shared history of Indonesia and the Netherlands. Join us on a quest into the past and discover what can still be seen of it today.

Learn what silver was used for and zoom in on the details. For example, are you already familiar with Yogya silver? Afterwards you get to decorate a figure yourself with beautiful motifs.

Pick up the treasure hunt (currently only available in Dutch) including figure for €5.95 at the counter and go to the second floor to view the Refleksi-Refleksi exhibition.

Programme

Lectures & theater

We are currently working on the planning of the programme.

If you are interested in the following activities, subscribe to our newsletter and we will keep you up to date! For 2025 we got the following activities lined up:

– Lucinda Timmermans, About the exhibition Refleksi-Refleksi

– Rebecca Roskam, Lecture on Yogya silver

– Alexandra van Dongen: Unpacking Boijmans, handling colonial objects within the museum

– Theater/museumarrangement Maaf/Sorry

– Explainers on tour in collaboration with Museum Sophiahof

Press inquiries: Get in contact with Ingeborg Dijkman

Various lectures and activities will follow in 2025 at the Refleksi-Refleksi exhibition.

Funds and partners

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