A large-scale musical production based on the Majapahit Kingdom introduced Washington audiences to one of Indonesia’s defining historical narratives, using theater, music, and dance to share the country’s cultural heritage and national identity.
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For one evening, the University of the District of Columbia Theater of the Arts offered Washington audiences a journey into fourteenth-century Indonesia. Through music, dance, and theater, The Oath recreated the story of the Majapahit Kingdom and the historic vision that helped shape what is now Indonesia.
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Presented by Indonesia Kid Performing Arts (IKPA USA) and produced by Gaby Hasnan and Wiwin Nugroho, the production drew on the legendary Palapa Oath of Mahapatih Gajah Mada. More than a historical drama, it introduced audiences to a defining chapter of Indonesia’s past while illustrating how culture continues to serve as a bridge between nations.
Written and directed by Nadia Syahmalina, The Oath combined historical storytelling with a contemporary stage production. Music Director and Conductor Ulung Tanoto led an orchestra that blended Indonesian musical traditions with modern orchestration, while Washington-based nonprofit Nusantara Budaya provided choreography rooted in Indonesia’s diverse dance heritage. Together, the music and movement gave the production both historical depth and theatrical energy.
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Lennon Tramp portrayed Gajah Mada, the commoner who rose to become Grand Vizier of the Majapahit Empire. His performance conveyed the resolve of a leader whose vision of uniting the Nusantara became one of the defining ideas in Indonesian history.
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Among the evening’s principal performances was that of Dr. Ir. Nining Sri Astuti Indroyono Soesilo as Ratu Gayatri Rajapatni, the Queen Mother whose political judgment helped guide the Majapahit Kingdom. Her appearance carried added significance beyond the stage. An economist, scholar, and former senior public official, Dr. Nining is widely recognized for developing Indonesia’s Ultra Micro (UMi) financing program, which has expanded access to financing for millions of women entrepreneurs and small business owners. Her portrayal of Queen Gayatri reflected a lifetime devoted to public service and national development.
Indonesian actress Ayu Azhari appeared as Queen Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, whose confidence in Gajah Mada set the story’s central mission in motion. Adam Kadir portrayed Young Jimo, while Andara Seta brought emotional depth to the role of Dyah Pitaloka Citraresmi. Biru Tempo completed the principal cast as King Hayam Wuruk, under whose reign the Majapahit Empire reached its height.
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Rather than presenting history as a series of distant events, the production invited audiences to encounter it through live performance. Music, dialogue, dance, and costume worked together to place Indonesia’s historical narrative before a contemporary audience in Washington.
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At the center of The Oath is Gajah Mada’s famous Palapa Oath, a pledge to unite the islands of the Nusantara before seeking personal comfort or reward. What began as the ambition of one statesman became one of the enduring ideas associated with the Majapahit Empire and continues to hold symbolic importance in Indonesia today.
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The production’s theme,
“One Dream. One Nation. One Horizon.”
extends beyond the historical setting. It speaks to national purpose, shared identity, and the belief that lasting achievements begin with a common vision. Without drawing direct comparisons between different eras, the story encourages audiences to consider how leadership and collective purpose continue to shape societies.
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Before the performance began, Ambassador Indroyono Soesilo welcomed guests by reflecting on the relationship between the United States and Indonesia. He noted that America’s 250th anniversary and Indonesia’s forthcoming eighty-first Independence Day both provide opportunities to reflect on national identity, unity, and the values that bind societies together. He described The Oath as an opportunity to explore leadership, vision, and Indonesia’s long historical tradition through the performing arts.
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His remarks also explained why productions such as The Oath matter beyond the theater. They allow history to be shared with audiences who may know little about Indonesia while creating opportunities for cultural exchange through the arts rather than official dialogue alone.
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Before the curtain rose, guests stepping into the UDC Theater found themselves immersed in Indonesian culture long before the first scene unfolded on stage.
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The lobby had been transformed into a welcoming cultural space where Indonesian American organizations introduced visitors to traditional cuisine, artisan products, and exhibits celebrating the country’s heritage. Diplomats, community leaders, students, artists, families, and residents from across the Washington area moved easily from one display to another, creating conversations that extended beyond the performance itself.
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Those informal exchanges reflected one of the evening’s broader purposes. Rather than relying solely on official diplomacy, the event invited people to learn about Indonesia through its traditions, its history, and its people. For many in attendance, it offered an introduction to a country they may never have visited but could experience through its culture.
The strong turnout also reflected the commitment of the Indonesian American community to preserving its heritage while sharing it with a wider audience in the nation’s capital.
More Than a Historical Production
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Although The Oath is rooted in events that took place more than seven centuries ago, its message continues to resonate.
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The story of Gajah Mada reminds audiences that national unity is often the result of long-term vision, determined leadership, and a willingness to place the common good above personal ambition. Those themes remain relevant far beyond Indonesia’s history.
By presenting that story in Washington, the production also demonstrated how the performing arts can strengthen understanding between nations. Music, theater, and dance offered audiences an accessible way to engage with Indonesia’s history while encouraging dialogue across cultures.
In that respect, The Oath served not only as a theatrical production but also as an expression of cultural diplomacy.
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The production was presented by Indonesia Kid Performing Arts (IKPA USA) with the support of the Embassy of Indonesia and Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture. Additional support came from Bank Rakyat Indonesia, PT Cyber Network Indonesia, community organizations, individual donors, and local businesses whose contributions helped bring the production to the stage.
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Their collective efforts reflected the collaboration required to stage a production of this scale while introducing Indonesian history and culture to audiences in Washington.
A Story That Continues to Speak Across Generations
As the final performance concluded and the audience responded with sustained applause, it was clear that The Oath had accomplished more than recreating a chapter of Indonesia’s past.
The production introduced Washington audiences to one of the country’s defining historical narratives through a combination of music, theater, and dance that remained faithful to its cultural roots while speaking to contemporary audiences.
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Its closing message,
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“One Dream. One Nation. One Horizon.”
summarized more than the story of the Majapahit Kingdom. It reflected the enduring belief that a shared vision can shape the course of a nation and that culture remains one of the most effective ways to deepen understanding between people.