Moluccan festival at Wereldmuseum Rotterdam

HAPPENING 13 SEP 2025 | A festival dedicated to Moluccan culture will be hosted at Wereldmuseum Rotterdam on 13 September. The programme, titled Molukkers aan de Maas: HENA MASA, includes performances, workshops, music, and exhibitions.

Moluccan culture at Wereldmuseum Rotterdam

On Saturday 13 September 2025, Wereldmuseum Rotterdam will open its doors to Molukkers aan de Maas: HENA MASA. The day-long event has been organised in collaboration with the platform Molukkers aan de Maas (MOADMA), founded by Yordi Tahamata, Mayella Lourens, and Rafaël Pattiwael. MOADMA supports Moluccan artists and talents through concerts, exhibitions, and cultural gatherings.

The term Hena Masa refers to shared histories and the connections between generations. The theme will be explored throughout the day in various artistic forms, from traditional dance to spoken word.

Highlights of the programme

The festival will open at the museum’s quay with a performance of the traditional Tjakalele dance by Tabadila, a group founded in the 1980s. Once performed as a ritual of battle, the Tjakalele is now presented as a dance of pride and unity.

Later in the day, actor Joenoes Polnaija and choreographer Jefta Tanate will bring together performers with Moluccan roots for a multidisciplinary performance Om Wij te Zijn, combining spoken word, live music, and theatre.

Workshops will also play a role in the programme. Artist Yopi Abraham will guide families in the decoration of the traditional salawaku shield, while Mitjie Hully, Noreen and Imelda Tatuhey will share knowledge of Moluccan herbal traditions (Obat Obat Kampung).

Music will be performed throughout the day, including a singalong with singer Jessica Manuputty and the ensemble Totaal Moluks. The evening will close with Lagu Timur Sessions, where DJs blend traditional Moluccan sounds with contemporary music.

Exhibitions and conversations

Visitors may attend the photography exhibition Tanda Mata, which focuses on body adornment within the Moluccan community in the Netherlands. A panel discussion will be held in connection with the exhibition.

Writer and illustrator Ada Lilipaly will present De Boom vol Schatten, a storytelling session based on a legend from Halmahera. Her stories explore themes of tradition, faith, and intergenerational transmission.

Meanwhile, the podcast Molukse Takkie will record conversations with visitors about the theme of Hena Masa. The interviews will focus on what people have received from previous generations and what they wish to pass on.

Market and food

Outside the museum, a Moluccan market will offer traditional dishes, drinks, and cultural products. Visitors may also find information about the Landelijk Moluks Monument.

Food stalls will include ES MALUKU, an ice cream concept by chef Ted Lekatompessy, who draws inspiration from Moluccan and Indonesian flavours.

Practical information

The full programme is included in the regular museum admission ticket. The festival will take place on Saturday 13 September 2025, from 12:00 until midnight. More information and tickets are available via the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam website.

Directions to Wereldmuseum Rotterdam

Wereldmuseum Rotterdam is located at Willemskade 25, close to the Erasmus Bridge in the Scheepvaartkwartier. The area is accessible by tram, metro, bus, and water taxi, and lies within walking distance of the city centre.