As part of Tura’s Sound Connections program, Kai Jawa brought together artists from Australia and Indonesia in an intercultural exchange grounded in shared histories, language and music.
The following reflection by Sound Connections Senior Strategist Kate Ben-Tovim documents the 7–13 December 2025 activation of the program in Jogjakarta.
The 2025 activation of Tura’s ongoing intercultural program Sound Connections - Kai Jawa, built on old and new conversations across deep and present time. We gathered in the gentle SaRang Artspace in Jogjakarta for a week of music making and exchange- Javanese/ Sumatran ethnomusicologist Ubiet, Yamatji didjeridu virtuoso Mark Atkins, Papuan singer/composer Septina Layan and Miriwoong Songman Chris Griffiths.
We are all inspired by the deep history of exchange- spanning many generations- between Indonesian traders and First Nations people in North and North-Western Australia. Far from abstract narrative, Chris and Septina trace their own family connections to this story- an incredible history that continued to unfurl during the week as shared language, stories, songs and rituals revealed themselves.
Ancestral songs are offered ,and new material is created- a highlight is ‘Sailing song’ a powerful lament inspired by the imagined journey Septina’s family would have taken to trade with Chris’ ancestors across the water. The stark instrumentation of four vocalist is accompanied by Mark’s powerful didjeridu- at times a drone, at times mimicking animal sounds, at time a rhythmic driver.
This was my first international collaboration and it felt important that it happened here in Indonesia. I could feel the deep connections between my place and this place- our mobs have been exchanging stories and stories for many generations. I’m proud to keep this story going. – Chris Griffiths
At the end of the week the group record together in the open ‘Pendopo’ (Javanese pavilion), pausing occasionally for the sounds of motorcycles and the call to prayer to pass. A workshop showing to a ‘who’s who’ Jogja arts audiences is a very special experience, especially for those with ancestral roots in islands that have been connecting with Australia for many generations. We finish the week deeply satisfied and determined to meet again.
I loved being in Jogja, reconnecting with some old friends and making new ones. We had a lot to share - musically but also culturally. The connections are deep. The audience were really moved when we presented what we had made together. They wanted to hear our history- about colonisation and spirituality and how we have kept our culture strong. They really listened- it was special. – Mark Atkins
Kate Ben-Tovim
Sound Connections Senior Strategist
Photos by Agung Prasetyo
