Rimbaud’s Java journey opens new chapter in France-Indonesia ties

An exhibition showcasing Arthur Rimbaud's 1876 expedition through Central Java has opened in Semarang, marking 150 years since the French poet's passage and initiating a novel literary exchange between France and Indonesia. Curated by the French Embassy in Jakarta, Institut français d'Indonésie (IFI), Semarang City Administration, and Alliance Française Semarang, the exhibition is held in collaboration with Semarang State University, the state-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia, and PT Kereta Api Pariwisata.

Titled "Arthur Rimbaud: A Journey Through Java," the exhibit chronicles Rimbaud's travels through period photographs, maps, and excerpts from his poetry, displayed in both French and Indonesian. Key stops along his route, such as Kedungjati Station in Grobogan and Tuntang, are depicted, accompanied by insights from his works like "Democratie," "Sensation," and the prologue to "Une saison en enfer."

The archival materials offer a glimpse into a enigmatic period in the life of the celebrated prodigy, who later distanced himself from literature.

"The journey of Rimbaud through Central Java stands as a testament to the enduring cultural connections between France and Indonesia," commented Fabien Penone, the French Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN. This exhibition not only commemorates a pivotal moment in Rimbaud's life but also symbolizes the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, fostering a new chapter in their literary and cultural exchange.