Sake Santema
A Historical Look at the Musical Instruments of Bali and Java
Traditional music in Indonesia reflects the country’s multicultural heritage, drawing influences from Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, and indigenous traditions. The archipelago is home to many musical styles and instruments. Music here is not just entertainment, but a rhythm that courses through daily life, festivals, politics and spiritual rituals. From ancient courts to bustling markets, music unites
Indonesian Fruits Through the Eyes of Early Explorers and Botanists
Indonesia is known for its vibrant markets which boast a rich variety of fruits, or ‘buah’. From luscious mangosteens to spiky durian, fruits play an important part in Indonesian cuisine. While Indonesians have cherished these delights for centuries, it was the first European explorers and botanists who introduced these exotic fruits to the rest of
Bali Island in Early Photography
It was only six years after the invention of photography in the year 1839 that Balinese artefacts like masks and statues were being captured through the lens in Jakarta. And to this day, Bali continues to mesmerise photographers with its timeless beauty. Sake Santema from Indies Gallery shares a few early photographs along with a brief history that offers a glimpse into
Borobudur Temple: A Marvel of Ancient Architecture
Located in the Kedu Valley, in the heart of the island of Java, Indonesia, lies the magnificent Borobudur Temple. This Buddhist temple, dating back to the 9th century, is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Borobudur temple’s unique architectural, spiritual and historical significance makes it
Kassian Cephas: The First Indonesian Photographer
Often recognised as Indonesia’s first photographer, Kassian Cephas has played an important role in capturing the essence of Indonesian culture, landscape, and society through his lens.Born in 1845 in Yogyakarta, Java, Cephas’s impact on Indonesian photography extends beyond his individual work. He was the first Indonesian to become a professional photographer, laying a foundation for
Indies Gallery: Aviation History in Indonesia
Spanning over 17 thousand islands, Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, relies heavily on air travel for connectivity. With 683 airports facilitating over 500 thousand domestic flights annually and millions of travellers from abroad, aviation plays a vital role. Astonishingly, it’s just been exactly a century since the first European flight touched down in Indonesia. In
The Origins of Tajen in Indonesia: A Time-Honoured Tradition
Cockfighting, known locally as tajen or sabung ayam is not merely a pastime in Indonesia; it is a cultural institution deeply intertwined especially with Bali’s spiritual beliefs. Today, it is a familiar image of wicker baskets lining roads around Indonesia, housing roosters as they are toughened up with traffic sounds. In this article, Sake Santema
The Spice Islands of Indonesia: A Brief History Told Through Old Maps
Sake Santema, from Indies Gallery, showcases a collection of his antique maps featuring early depictions of the Spice Islands. These maps offer unique insight into how, back in the day, spices held a high value even comparable to gold. Spices have been a cornerstone of global commerce for thousands of years, shaping the course of
Fallen Angels: Indonesia’s Bird of Paradise
The bird of paradise, Cendrawasih in Bahasa Indonesia, holds a special place as a symbol of New Guinea and Indonesia, drawing visitors from around the globe to witness these majestic birds in their natural habitat on the second largest island in the world. However, for centuries, these birds remained as mysterious as the prized spices
Willem G. Hofker’s Artistic Odyssey and the Cultural Tapestry that Inspired Him
European painters have long been captivated by the beauty of Indonesia. The stunning landscapes and rich colorful heritage have served as an inspiration for many renowned artists throughout history. In this article, Sake Santema from Indies Gallery presents a few works from his collection by Willem G Hofker, whose life and work became deeply intertwined
Early Travels to the ‘Dutch East Indies’
Today’s travellers may feel envious of those who visited Bali back when it was ‘untouched’, but do not realise the difficulty of not only getting to the island but also the challenges once they arrived. Sake Santema, owner of antiques dealer Indies Gallery, explores early travels to Indonesia and Bali, complemented by prints and images
