Edhi Sunarso

1932 – 2016

Edhi Sunarso was a leading Indonesian sculptor whose monumental public works helped define the visual landscape of modern Jakarta. His major commissions, including the Selamat Datang Monument, West Irian Liberation Monument, and Dirgantara Monument, were entrusted to him by President Sukarno.

Born in Salatiga, he gained early recognition after winning an international sculpture competition in London, which led to a UNESCO scholarship in India. There, he continued his studies and received the Gold Medal for art from the Indian government, further establishing his reputation on the global stage.

Edhi’s artistic journey cannot be separated from Indonesia’s post-war history. His education was disrupted by the independence struggle, during which he joined the guerilla forces and later became a sabotage unit commander in West Java. Captured at the age of 13, he spent three years in Kebonwaru Prison in Bandung, where he learned languages, crafts, and drawing from fellow inmates.