Soedarmadji Damais, Jakarta Museum Partner Foundation (YMMJ) head, said in a statement that the art work tells about the evolution of Jakarta in building its physical state as well as a reflection of the community's success in affirming tolerance in everyday life.

"We feel this painting should be displayed during this month of independence so that people can enjoy its beauty as well as interpret the stroke of the struggle inscribed in it," Soedarmadji said as quoted by Antara news agency. 

The painting were once displayed in a special room used to welcome important guests to the City Hall during the term of former Jakarta Governor Ali Sadikin. The room where Jayakarta had hung now however is no longer used to welcome guests. 

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Jayakarta contains many elements of Jakarta's development memories from time to time, as well as historical value and the struggle in its journey.

Until now, Soedarmadji said, the painting has not been treated with maximum physical care. Restoration efforts that are more adequate and in accordance with the rules of conservation would be implemented soon, he added.

He expressed hope that the series of works that describe the dynamics of the relationship between the government, art and the development of Jakarta can be a source of public reflection.

The exhibition also includes a new piece from Srihadi's work entitled From Jayakarta to the Glorious Maritime Nation, which was created in order to maintain the sustainability of Jayakarta's work in today's context.

"Jakarta is an old city that grows as a modern metropolitan city, parallel to the cosmopolitan world. Every citizen of Indonesia should be proud of its capital that has national and international identity," Srihadi said. (liz/kes)