Arnold Ap Lives On in Art

One of the most striking contemporary works in the "Time for Papua" exhibition at Wereldmuseum Leiden is the tribute to Arnold Ap, created by Papuan artist Dicky Takndare from Jayapura. The work was commissioned especially for the exhibition and honours one of West Papua's most influential cultural figures.

Arnold Ap (1946–1984) was an anthropologist, musician, curator, broadcaster, and cultural leader who dedicated his life to preserving Papuan languages, songs, oral traditions, and Indigenous identity. Through his radio programme Pelangi Budaya ("Rainbow of Culture") and the music group Mambesak, he inspired thousands of Papuans to embrace their cultural heritage during a period of profound political change.

His commitment to culture came at a high personal cost. In 1984, Arnold Ap was killed by Indonesian security forces after a period of detention. For many Papuans, he has become a lasting symbol of cultural resilience, dignity, and the right of Indigenous peoples to preserve their identity.

Artist Dicky Takndare reinterprets Arnold Ap not simply as a historical figure, but as a living source of inspiration for a new generation of Papuan artists. His work connects memory, identity, and the ongoing importance of culture in shaping the future of West Papua.

The inclusion of this artwork reflects the broader vision of Time for Papua, which brings together approximately 400 historical objects alongside contemporary art and Papuan voices. The exhibition explores not only the richness of Papuan cultural heritage but also its relevance in the face of present-day ecological, social, and political challenges.

"Arnold Ap showed that protecting culture is also a way of protecting a people's future. His voice continues to resonate through the art, music, and resilience of the Papuan people."