Exploring ideas of colonialism, national identity, war, and adolescence, Yogyakarta 1948 highlights a history many may not be familiar: the Indonesian National Revolution (1945-1949). This war was primarily between Indonesians fighting for independence and the Dutch attempting to regain control of Indonesia following World War II and the Japanese occupation of Indonesia. The story occurs during a single day, December 19, 1948, when the Dutch attacked the city of Yogyakarta (pronounced jo-ja-karta), a city in central Java and the then capital of the Republic of Indonesia. As a history and studio art double major, I wanted to research the history of Indonesia further after studying abroad in Bali and Yogyakarta, Java. I chose to write and draw a historical graphic novel because I have loved comics since I was a child and was interested in expressing this history through visual storytelling.
In Yogyakarta 1948, Sixteen-year-old Bethari wants to continue her normal, quiet life at school. Her best friend, Anisa, longs for adventure and is excited by the fervor of the Indonesian Revolution. The story begins with a Wayang Kulit, or shadow puppet play, called the Ramayana. The Ramayana is an epic of Indian origin about prince Rama whose wife, Sinta, is captured by Dasamuka, a rival king. When the Dutch attack the city of Yogyakarta in Java, Indonesia on December 19, 1948, Anisa runs off to see what is happening and goes missing. With the help of characters from the Ramayana, Bethari searches for her friend–all while the revolution rages on.
Emma Root ‘19
Advisors: Margaret Ng and Walter Zurko
All images copyright © 2019 Emma Root. All rights reserved.
Yogyakarta 1948. Book, inkjet. 9” X 6”. 2019
Installation (chapters 1,2,3). 2019.
Installation (chapter 5). 2019.
Installation (chapters 1,2,3, and books). 2019.
Yogyakarta 1948 (cover and back). Book, inkjet. 9” X 12”. 2019.