InfoSAWIT, YOGYAKARTA — The 67th Anniversary (Dies Natalis) celebration of INSTIPER Yogyakarta this year was marked by a special event that combined reflection on the institution’s long journey with appreciation for Indonesia’s plantation sector. The commemoration coincided with the 68th National Plantation Day, underscoring the strategic role of plantations in economic development, environmental stewardship, and community welfare.
The celebration was further enriched by a special milestone: the 99th birthday of Dr. (HC) H. Soedjai Kartasasmita, a revered figure in Indonesia’s plantation sector whose contributions have shaped the history of plantation education. Known as a visionary leader, Soedjai has dedicated nearly his entire life to advancing the national plantation industry. He currently serves as a patron of the Yogyakarta Plantation Cadre Education Foundation (YPKPY), which oversees INSTIPER and AKPY-Stiper.
Beyond his work in plantations, Soedjai is also known for his deep passion for photography. This lesser-known side of his life is showcased in the photo exhibition titled “Golden Traces of 99 Years: A Collaborative Exhibition by Soedjai and Friends,” featuring 99 selected works by Soedjai and fellow photographers.
“This exhibition presents visual narratives of hard work, sincerity, and beauty emerging from agriculture and plantation life, as well as the human stories within it,” said Dr. Irwandi, M.Sn., one of the curators and exhibition advisors, in a statement received by InfoSAWIT.
He added that the exhibition reflects cross-generational collaboration involving photographers, academics, practitioners, and community members from various regions.
The displayed works were curated by five nationally recognized curators: Dr. Irwandi, M.Sn., Drs. Risman Marah, M.Sn., Darwis Triadi, Arbain Rambey, and Johny Hendarta. Beyond visual aesthetics, the photographs document the journey, values, and dynamics of Indonesia’s plantation sector across different historical periods.
The “Golden Traces of 99 Years” exhibition is open to the public from December 10–15, 2025, from 09:00 to 16:00 WIB, at the INSTIPER Yogyakarta Library Building. The university invites the public, academics, photography communities, and plantation industry stakeholders to experience works that reflect the relationship between people, nature, and Indonesia’s plantation landscape. (T2)
