“PASAR: A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST, LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE”

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the Sonobudoyo Museum once again presents its temporary exhibition Abhinaya Karya 2025, themed “Pasar: A Glimpse Into The Past, Looking Forward To The Future.” This year, the exhibition spotlights the marketplace—not merely as a place for buying and selling goods, but as a space for cultural interaction, the exchange of information, and even entertainment. The market has long served as a meeting point for individuals, making it a mirror of the local community’s social dynamics.

As time passes, markets have undergone significant transformations, shaping values that straddle tradition and modernity. This exhibition traces the journey of the market as a socio-cultural space throughout history. Market dynamics began when humans realized their need for goods and services, leading to the emergence of barter systems. From that point, the concept of the market evolved through various eras—from the barter age, the times of kingdoms, and the colonial period, all the way to the present day.

In the digital era, the marketplace has changed dramatically. Transactions that were once conducted physically—either through bartering or with currency—can now be carried out using non-cash methods like e-wallets, credit cards, and digital payment apps. This era has also introduced new types of markets such as bonds, stocks, and deposits. These conveniences significantly influence how individuals approach spending and financial management. Thus, this exhibition aims to provide a space for reflection, encouraging visitors to rethink financial management by examining the market’s evolution across time.

A selection of artifacts will be displayed to showcase the historical journey of marketplaces. In addition, special interactive rooms are featured to provide visitors with a more immersive and engaging experience.

Abhinaya Karya 2025 was officially opened by the Head of the Yogyakarta Special Region Cultural Agency (Kundha Kabudayan DIY), Dian Lakhsmi Pratiwi, S.S., M.A, on June 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM WIB, at the Saraswati Exhibition Hall, Sonobudoyo State Museum, located at Jl. Pangurakan No. 4, Yogyakarta (south of the city’s zero-kilometer point).

The exhibition runs from June 3 to July 13, 2025, and is open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last ticket purchase at 8:00 PM, closed on Mondays). Admission fees are Rp 5,000 for children, Rp 10,000 for adults, and Rp 20,000 for foreign tourists. These prices include general museum admission.

To complement the exhibition, various supporting events will be held, such as seminars, workshops, and curatorial classes, all open to the public. This exhibition is expected to serve as a platform for reflecting on financial wisdom, helping people to better manage their finances. Ultimately, the exhibition hopes to offer a meaningful experience that contributes to preserving cultural heritage while embracing change with mindfulness.