2026 – A Year of Education, Creativity and Cultural Connection

The remarkable year of 2026 was dedicated to education and cultural exchange. Through Jodoh / Timeless, Art in Motion brought Indonesia and the Netherlands closer together.

Based on the novel by Rob Hammink, Jodoh / Timeless tells the romantic story of a Dutch soldier who falls in love with a blind Chinese-Indonesian girl in Padang, Sumatra. Against the turbulent backdrop of the Dutch military campaigns following Indonesian independence, the story reminds us that even in times of conflict, there is room for humanity – and even love.

In collaboration with the Film and Television Department of the Faculty of Art and Design Education at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), students explored the story through educational Zoom sessions while preparing a short film.

The journey continued in Bandung, where Rob Hammink delivered lectures across several departments of the faculty, inspiring hundreds of students. One creative initiative sparked another. The work developed by the Film and Television Department became a source of inspiration for the Dance Department.

By October, the focus had shifted towards an ambitious hybrid theatrical production, bringing the love story to life through an integration of music, dance and film.

We now look forward to an exciting new year of artistic exploration, education and collaboration, with one shared ambition at its heart: building bridges between Indonesian and Dutch cultures through the power of art.