Jakarta’s modern skylines often eclipse its layered past, but Batavia Tales is determined to bring history back to the centre stage. The third instalment of this cultural performance series, The Echoes of Batavia, opens another chapter in its mission to revive Indonesia’s heritage through storytelling and art.
Launched on 5 October 2025, the production follows the success of its two earlier editions, which drew thousands of spectators since the first show premiered in April. Batavia Tales forms part of Batavia PIK’s ongoing programme to celebrate and preserve Indonesian arts and culture through a modern, intergenerational lens, positioning the venue as one of Jakarta’s emerging cultural destinations.
“Through Batavia Tales, visitors can experience a unique form of entertainment at Batavia PIK,” said Ramon Flotats, Director of Operations at Amantara. “Beyond being an engaging performance, it also reflects our appreciation for history, art, and culture. We hope that this ensures the archipelago’s heritage continues to thrive.”
Set in the final decades of the 19th century and the dawn of the 20th, The Echoes of Batavia captures the emotional pulse of colonial Batavia. The story blends romance, struggle, and resistance in a performance steeped in symbolism, starting from the rhythmic beat of traditional music to the intricate patterns of batik and enduring folklore that have shaped generations.
Audiences are invited into the tense world behind the walls of old Batavia, where KNIL troops, locally known as Londo Ireng, patrol narrow alleyways in search of hidden enemies. Amidst the shadows, they uncover a native spy, an unsung voice of rebellion who threads together the whispers of a nation longing for freedom.
At the heart of the narrative are Ana Maria Titale, I Wayan Eka, and their six comrades, whose mission to rescue Suminah, who’s a captured freedom fighter involved in the Cilegon uprising, forms the story’s emotional spine. Their journey unfolds in a landscape alive with cries, secrets, and defiance, painting a vivid portrait of a city in turmoil and transformation.
For writer and director mhyajo, the performance offers more than a historical retelling. “In this piece, I wanted to portray Batavia not merely as a backdrop, but as a living space filled with love, conflict, and hope,” he explained. “Every character carries voices of the past that remain relevant today, a reminder that courage and unity are legacies worth celebrating.”
The Echoes of Batavia is free and open to the public, with regular performances every Saturday and Sunday at 5.17 pm at Alun-Alun Batavia PIK. By combining accessible storytelling with thoughtful stagecraft, the production bridges eras and audiences, offering both reflection and entertainment.
For updates and event details, follow @bataviapik and @batavia.tales on Instagram.
