Blessing of Rain, Various Collections and Podcast

The Bentara Budaya was born out of Kompas founders P.K. Ojong and Jakob Oetama’s love for art and culture. Since the 1970s, Kompas has been collecting a number of paintings, antiques, and other art and cultural objects.

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Singers Endah Laras (left) and Woro Mustiko perform at the 40th Anniversary of Bentara Budaya at Bentara Budaya Jakarta, Jakarta, on Monday (26/9/2022).

Kompas Gramedia’s Bentara Budaya cultural institute turned 40 on Monday (26/9/2022). Artists, cultural observers, teachers, and political figures attended cultural events in Jakarta and Yogyakarta on Monday evening to commemorate the anniversary of the Bentara Budaya. Along with an accompaniment of music and colorful lights, prayers were offered to ensure the longevity of the cultural herald.

At 7:30 p.m., the emcee invited the guests to gather at the courtyard of the Bentara Budaya in Palmerah, South Jakarta, to open the event, but before the emcee had taken a breath to continue, heavy rain fell.