Dea Sudarman

Dea Sudarman is the epitome of a self-driven, dedicated, hardworking yet dynamic and passionate individual. She has an insatiable thirst for knowledge, has a strong yet tactful work ethics and is always fascinated to explore deeper into the beautiful life, nature and diversity of Indonesia. She has made important milestones in her long-standing career as a researcher, consultant, documentary film director, collector and curator, particularly in Indonesian culture and art.

Dea’s early years as a researcher, producer and director for documentary films for broadcast during prime time on Nippon Television, Japan, learning and working tirelessly to meet work commitments and deadlines, while at the same time, adjusting to the strictly efficient and effective working environment in Japan, have very much shaped the foundation of her metamorphosis from a fast learner to a dynamic leader in her own right she is today.

Her internationally acclaimed award-winning films includes The Asmat (1986), an outstanding film that promotes understanding among the people of Asia pacific and the U.S, shown at the Sixth Annual Hawaii International Film Festival; The Asmat (1982), The best documentary film, winning the Golden Marzzocco D’Oro (first prize out of 123 entries) in the 23rd Film Festival Dei Popoli in Florence, Italy.

During the period of travel, Dea got acquainted with the people in different parts of Indonesia. She often stayed in one place for more than six months and became part of their family. Thus, when they parted, it was customary that the people would present her with a special gift as a symbol of friendship.

She gradually grew fond of these beautiful and unique gifts and was intrigued to learn more about their use, history and value. They certainly had inspired her to collect more and dream that one day she could have a place to display the collections and share her wonderful journey across the Indonesian archipelago, through learning about their history, local wisdom as each of them had a different story to tell.

The Asmat (1986)

Film Production

DS Papua Asmat 22 production still DI

PAPUA Asmat Production Still 1991 513 DI

Over the years, as her experience expanding in collecting and curating different unique handcrafted arts, she would conduct preliminary study regarding the background history, significance, use and value of the different object of each related region she was about to visit. She would carefully hand-select the items to check their authenticity on arrival from the local sellers or attended auctions, which were organised locally. Also, she sometimes bartered items that were of her interest with products that had become a necessity to the local people, such as flashlights, axes and fishing equipment.

In 1998, Dea was awarded the Fok Ying Tung Prize in recognition for her contribution to the promotion of national & cultural development in Southeast Asia. Having received the award, Dea found that it was the perfect time to begin realising her long-time dream with the support of relevant parties.

Then, It was finally completed in 2000 and named GedungDUA8, a museum and an integrated research-based organisation on Indonesia and services in arranging workshops and small to large scale exhibitions in-country and abroad. The museum was intended to bridge the gap between communities from different walks of life across Indonesia so that they can learn, understand, share and respect each other history, background, wisdom, knowledge and skills.

Among her most prominent achievements to date included providing design, concept in leading the establishment of Alun-Alun Indonesia, Indonesia’s centre stage where people could mingle and enjoy the first curated one-stop store promoting and selling the best Indonesian products, culinary experience and entertainment which were carefully selected from all over the archipelago.

She also provided concept, design and management support for the initial plan, completion and implementation of Indonesia Pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai 2010, which received international recognition during its presence at the event.

Gedung DUA8