Dullah

1919 – 1996

Born in Surakarta to a family of batik makers, Dullah (1919–1996) was deeply immersed in the art world from a young age. As a member of Seniman Indonesia Muda (SIM), he studied under masters like S. Sudjojono and Affandi.

Known as the “Revolutionary Painter,” Dullah and his peers captured scenes of struggle and battle during the Dutch colonization of Yogyakarta. His historical paintings earned him the trust of President Soekarno, who appointed him as the official artist and curator of Istana Merdeka in 1950—a role he held for nearly a decade.

During his tenure, Dullah contributed to refining Sultan Hamid II’s design of Garuda Pancasila, following Soekarno’s vision. His legacy remains a vital part of Indonesia’s artistic and historical narrative.