Hai Rembulan, formerly known as Bulan, has embraced her spiritual journey, renaming herself in honour of the moon’s perceived influence on her life. This personal transformation is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with a father who practiced Sunda Wiwitan, an indigenous religion that was once prohibited in Indonesia.
In 2022, rembulan co-founded Kongsi 8, a creative hub designed to support women and gender minority artists. Initially conceived as a space for artistic creation and sales, the initiative expanded to include a canteen and the sale of secondhand goods to ensure financial sustainability.
Kongsi 8 is situated in a location with a significant historical context. This area was the site of looting and violence during the 1998 riots, events largely triggered by economic instability and pervasive corruption. During this period, individuals of chinese descent were specifically targeted, facing atrocities including mass rape. The widespread unrest contributed to the eventual downfall of the Soeharto regime.
The story of Hai Rembulan and Kongsi 8 highlights the intersection of personal spiritual exploration, artistic community building, and the enduring impact of historical events. Sunda Wiwitan, the indigenous religion practiced by Rembulan’s father, is a spiritual tradition with deep roots in West Java, Indonesia. Its prohibition under authoritarian rule underscores the challenges faced by minority religious and cultural practices in the country’s history. The renaming of Bulan to Hai Rembulan signifies a intentional embrace of her heritage and a personal connection to celestial influences, a theme frequently enough found in indigenous belief systems. The establishment of Kongsi 8 in 2022 reflects a contemporary effort to create safe and supportive spaces for marginalized artists, addressing economic precarity through diversified income streams. The choice of location, marked by the 1998 riots, serves as a poignant reminder of the societal and political upheavals that have shaped modern Indonesia, particularly the vulnerability of minority groups during times of crisis.
What is Sunda wiwitan? Sunda wiwitan is an indigenous religious and spiritual tradition originating from west Java, Indonesia, frequently enough characterized by animistic beliefs and reverence for nature.
What were the 1998 riots in Indonesia? The 1998 riots were a period of widespread civil unrest in Indonesia, fueled by economic crisis, political corruption, and ethnic tensions, which ultimately led to the resignation of President Soeharto.
What is the significance of Kongsi 8’s location? The location is historically significant as it was a site of violence and looting during the 1998 riots, a period that saw targeted attacks on ethnic Chinese communities.
Disclaimer: This article discusses cultural and historical events and dose not constitute advice on health, finance, or legal matters.
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