Back on stage, 'Bunga Penutup Abad' returns with a fresh script and a revolving stage.

"Blessed is he who eats from his own sweat, rejoices in his own efforts, and advances thru his own experience." - Pramoedya Ananta Toer

The theater performance 'Bunga Penutup Abad' will greet literature and theater lovers in the country on August 29, 30, and 31, 2025, at Ciputra Artpreneur, Jakarta. This theater performance by Titimangsa, presented by the Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, is part of the year-long program commemorating the centenary of Pramoedya Ananta Toer, initiated by the Pramoedya Ananta Toer Foundation. This momentum serves as a reminder that Pram's works are not only timeless but also remain relevant in today's national and humanitarian context.

We are bringing back the "Pentas Bunga Penutup Abad" because the story of Nyai Ontosoroh, Minke, and Annelies always provides inspiration and reflection for all of us. This performance is a pleasant reunion with those who have worked together before, as well as a meeting with those who are involved for the first time. I am touched to see so many people giving their hearts and energy to artistic endeavors. The performing arts ecosystem is growing, with the private and public sectors working side by side, demonstrating that culture is our strength. "Culture is a path of struggle for us to become more human," said Happy Salma, the producer of this performance.

The play "Bunga Penutup Abad" (Flower at the End of the Century), Titimangsa's 88th production, is an adaptation of the first two books of Pramoedya Ananta Toer's Buru Quartet, namely "Bumi Manusia" (This Earth of Mankind) and "Anak Semua Bangsa" (Child of All Nations). This year's performance marks the fourth staging of "Bunga Penutup Abad" after successful productions in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

We believe that art has the power to inspire, touch hearts, and bridge generations in understanding the nation's cultural richness. Being part of the Bunga Penutup Abad performance from the beginning until now is one of our commitments to present high-quality and down-to-earth performing arts. "We are proud to be part of this journey, and we hope that Indonesian theater will continue to grow and become a true host in its own country," said Renitasari Adrian, Program Director of Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation.

This year's performance of the play "Bunga Penutup Abad" features various innovations to provide a fresh experience for the audience. In terms of the script, the story undergoes slight adjustments and is condensed so that the audience will receive a fresh presentation of the work. Stage scenography has also seen better development. The stage will use a revolving stage that has not been applied in the previous three performances. This concept allows for more dynamic scene transitions, creating a more immersive viewing experience.

"When I was given the opportunity to direct Bunga Penutup Abad again, I wanted to provide an update while still maintaining the values and spirit of struggle present in Pram's works. We strengthened the dramatic structure, especially the psychological development of Annelies, so that this story is not only relevant for the younger generation, but also fresh for those who have seen it before," said Wawan Sofwan, Director of Bunga Penutup Abad.

The Flower of the Century tells the story of the lives of Nyai Ontosoroh and Minke after Annelies' departure for the Netherlands. Nyai Ontosoroh, worried about Annelies' condition, sent an employe named Robert Jan Dapperste, also known as Panji Darman, to accompany Annelies wherever she went. Annelies' life since leaving Surabaya Harbor was reported by Panji Darman thru his letters sent to Minke and Nyai Ontosoroh.

Minke always read the letters to Nyai Ontosoroh. Letter after letter opened a door of nostalgia between the three of them. Like when Minke first met Annelies and Nyai Ontosoroh, how Nyai Ontosoroh was sued by her stepson until finally Annelies had to be taken away to the Netherlands based on a decision from the white court of the Dutch East Indies. Separated from Annelies, Minke and Nyai Ontosoroh found the best and most honorable meaning of resistance.

The characters in "Bunga Penutup Abad" will be played by Happy Salma as Nyai Ontosoroh, and will feature Indonesia's best actors, namely Reza Rahadian as Minke, Chelsea Islan as Annelies, Andrew Trigg as Jean Marais, and Sajani Arifin as May Marais.

May these adaptations of literary works continue to be a choice for us to understand our national character, appreciate and love the beautiful language, and the symbols and metaphors conveyed thru literary and theatrical works. Keep up the spirit for the performing arts of our homeland," Happy Salma concluded.

This performance was also made possible thanks to the support of Ciputra Artpreneur, PT Pertamina (Persero), the Pramoedya Ananta Toer Foundation, BCA, DSS, Jeeves Indonesia, The Dharmawangsa, DKI Jakarta Cultural Department, Antangin, Hotel Raffles, POLA, NIPPO, Date Crown, and Teh Botol Sosro. High appreciation was also given to the media partners who served as a bridge to disseminate information about this performance to the public, including: detikPop Part of detikcom, Harper's Bazaar Indonesia, Her World Indonesia, Cosmopolitan Indonesia, Radio The Rockin’ Life Jakarta (87.6 FM), Iswara Jakarta (101.4 FM), Femina, Medcom.id, Beritasatu, Beritasatu.com, BTV, Kumparan, Kompas.com, Elle Indonesia Magazine, Dewi Magazine, Kapanlagi.com, Liputan6.com, Fimela.com, Nyata Media, Akurat.co, Tangsel Life, Info Tangerang, Tatler Indonesia, Katadata, Tempo.co, Cantika.com, and Exquisite Media.