RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A unique exhibition at the Emiria Soenassa Gallery in Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Central Jakarta, is providing underserved youth with a platform to reframe Indonesian culture through their own lenses, showcasing 134 photographs captured by students from the government-supported Sekolah Rakyat (People's Schools) network.

Running from July 3 to August 1, 2026, the 2026 Bright Clouds Children and Youth Photography Competition features works from 74 Sekolah Rakyat students across 36 institutions. By placing simple mobile phone cameras into the hands of children facing economic hardships, the showcase offers an authentic look into the daily realities, living environments, and cultural interpretations of marginalized urban youth.

One of the co-initiators of the initiative, Retno Audite Dwiastini, welcomed the strong participation of Sekolah Rakyat students, noting that their lived experiences yield a distinct, honest visual narrative.

"This is very good. We indeed want to embrace all children. The children of Sekolah Rakyat also have a different perspective compared to other children. That is what makes us curious about what culture means in their eyes," Retno, affectionately known as Dite, said at the gallery on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Retno explained that the exhibition carries the overarching theme The Young, The Cultured (Yang Muda, Yang Berbudaya), designed as a strategic effort to encourage the younger generation to reconnect with and cherish Indonesian heritage amid the heavy influence of foreign pop culture.

"Why do we raise the topic of culture? Because we want to remind these children and teenagers that Indonesian culture is beautiful. We must nurture it so that our nation remains cultured," she added.

For many participating students, seeing their personal creative expressions mounted on gallery walls alongside peer photography was a transformative experience.

Nazila Barqiah Harum, a student from Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Atas (SRMA) 9 East Jakarta, expressed immense pride after three of her photographs, taken entirely on a basic smartphone, were selected for the exhibition.

"Honestly, I am so happy and still can't believe that my work can now be displayed in a gallery and seen by many people. I hope the photos we created can inspire and carry a story for whoever views them," Nazila said.

The exhibition acts as an empowering outlet for the students, allowing them to communicate raw, unfiltered stories about their educational journeys, community environments, and local traditions.

Overall, the second edition of the triennial competition, first launched in 2023, drew 1,206 photography submissions from young creators aged 6 to 16 across various categories. By integrating social inclusion directly into visual art, the event highlights how creative arts can bridge socioeconomic divides and foster a deeper, more inclusive national identity. ***