Julia Nelisse

From the series Revolusi

Julia Nelisse (unknown - 1995) lived with her husband and young daughter Merapi in a leper colony in Pelantungan (Java). While trying to survive as best they could, they experienced the violence of the struggle for independence at first hand.

Julia Nelisse

Julia Nelisse gave birth to a daughter on 6 September 1947 at a leper colony in Pelantungan (Java). She named her child Merapi, after the volcano on the island of Java.

Shrouds

As revolutionary violence spread to the area, bodies began to appear in the nearby river and were washed up at the leper colony. Nelisse and her fellow villagers wrapped each body in a shroud.

Pillow, linen, 1947. Private collection

Baby clothes

Textiles were scarce, and so to dress her new born daughter, Julia decided to make baby clothes from the linen covers of the books in the colony’s library.

Nappy cloth, linen, 1947. Private collection

Careful choice

She chose the covers with care. The vest, pillow and nappy bear the book titles: Tarzan the Lion Man, The Voice of Conscience and Only for Sinners.

Jacket, linen, 1947. Private collection

Merapi Obermayer

Merapi Obermayer is the daughter of Julia Nelisse. In her video portrait, she talks about her mother, childhood and the influence of the revolution.

View her video portrait

SUKARNO

Declaring independence

Sutarso Nasrudin

A book of friendship

Letty Kwee

A baby during the revolution

Jeanne van Leur - de Loos

A dressing gown made of maps

Tanja Dezentjé

Fighter for diplomatic recognition

Petrus Akihary

Loyal to flag and crown

Tjokorda Rai Pudak

Freedom fighter from ‘the last paradise’

Julia Nelisse

Baby clothes made from book covers

Hans van Santen

Volunteer soldier

Mohammad Toha

Talented painter and war reporter