Collector exhibiting works of national significance

Mustaqim Adamrah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Munir Darwis may not be a member of the Croft family (living for historical treasure hunting in the movie Tomb Rider) but many years of antique hunting and business has led him to realize Indonesia needs to be proud of its national heritage.

Prompted by a love and appreciation of antiques, 73-year-old Munir is exhibiting works from his private collection -- predominantly local pieces -- of more than 200 antiques and 150 old paintings, some of which were painted by Indonesian maestros Affandi, Dullah and S. Sudjojono, as well as Chinese Lee Man Fong.

The exhibition is being curated by Munir's gallery Djody Art, Curio & Antiques with the theme, "A Closer Look at Perpetual Beauty".

The pieces have been valued at between Rp 100,000 (US$10.90) and Rp 15 million each.

The collection, which comprises works dating from 206 B.C. to the 20th century, is being housed for the first time in glass houses in Menteng Park, Central Jakarta, from Feb. 22 to 26.

"I live in this neighborhood and have often jogged around this park," said Munir, who was born in the capital and lives on Jl. Kertosono, one block away from the park.

"One day, I thought to myself it would be interesting to make use of these glass houses for an exhibition of my private collection," the father of five said Friday evening after the opening of the exhibition.

Munir started his business in 1959 by selling antiques door-to-door and received a commission for every item he sold.

On realizing profits he made were more than he could earn in two years on his salary at that time, he began collecting money to buy more antiques for himself.

"It's not always easy to get fine, genuine antiques at cheap prices," he said.

"Often, I have lost money because I misjudged an item, expecting it to be genuine but it turns out to be reproduction. It needs a lifetime of experience."

Darwis has traveled to cities all over the world, including Paris, Amsterdam, London and New York, just to buy antiques at auctions and through private deals.

Munir said he needed 15 to 20 years to be able to affirm his position in the business, with help from his eldest son Djody.

"It's a lucrative business which, at the same time, carries huge risks," Djody said.

Alongside the father and son's pride of owning some antique pieces of national significance, they said they were saddened by the attitude of many Indonesians "who still don't appreciate their own heritage and don't understand the real value of antiques".

Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo, attending the exhibition, said he welcomed Munir's initiative to introduce his private collection to the public.

"This is what Jakarta needs -- an understanding and love of our heritage," he said.