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Born in Malang on March 31, 1972, Captain John has been demonstrating his artistic talent since a young age. As early as his high school years, he was already actively participating in various exhibitions, showcasing his paintings in several major cities across Indonesia, including Malang, Surabaya, Bandung, and Jakarta.

Over the years, his journey as an artist has evolved and expanded beyond national borders. He has taken part in numerous prestigious exhibitions on an international scale, gaining recognition for his distinctive approach to art.

Particularly in Bandung, Captain John has made a significant contribution to the city’s urban landscape by transforming public spaces through mural art. His works can be found embellishing areas such as the Antapani Flyover and the walls along Siliwangi Street. His murals are renowned for their distinctive character—an artistic signature that fuses textile elements with painting techniques, resulting in visually captivating and uniquely expressive compositions.

One of his most recent projects is the mural located beneath the Pasupati Flyover. This initiative is part of a collaborative effort between the Bandung City Government and the West Java Provincial Government to enhance the visual appeal of the urban environment.

Carrying the theme “Loving Culture and Life,” the mural showcases a wide variety of elements drawn from Sundanese cultural heritage, including traditional dance forms, musical instruments, and local culinary staples. The aim is not only to beautify the space aesthetically but also to transform it into a dynamic and inclusive public area—especially for the youth—where communities can gather, interact, and engage in creative or recreational activities.

The creation of this mural was a collaborative process. Captain John was not working alone; he was supported by a team of approximately 100 individuals, organized into several specialized groups including a sketching team, a blocking team, and a detailing team. From conceptual development to the final execution, the entire project was directed and overseen personally by Captain John himself.

“There were certainly no shortage of challenges in this project,” he explained. “One of the most significant obstacles was the extreme height of the flyover, which required the involvement of a civil engineering team to devise a work strategy that was both safe and efficient. Weather also posed its own difficulties—heavy rain in particular often delayed progress and forced the team to adjust their working schedule.”

On Tuesday, February 3, 2025, West Java Regional Secretary, Herman Suryatman, visited the mural site as a gesture of appreciation for the initiative. Moving forward, the local government plans to expand the mural along the eastern stretch of the bridge, further integrating it into the city’s broader visual identity.

Through his dedication and artistic spirit, John Martono continues to play a key role in beautifying the city of Bandung with his mural art. His work not only enriches the visual environment but also serves as a powerful inspiration for young artists to embrace creativity and take pride in their cultural heritage.

To aspiring artists, he shares a heartfelt message: consistency and inner strength are the foundation of any creative pursuit. In his view, success is not solely determined by talent—it is equally shaped by hard work, perseverance, and the courage to keep trying despite challenges. He hopes that more young people will find the confidence to express themselves through art and take part in preserving the richness of Indonesian culture.

Reporter: Indira Akmalia Hendri (Urban and Regional Planning, 2021)
Translator: Malika Fatima Lawe (Microbiology, 2022)