After the 1979's arrest, Hardi was a name stuck on everybody's name. He was blacklisted by the government. No Indonesian dared to purchase his controversial print. Hardi' work and reputation as an artist are feared by his peers and galleries. Against all odds, he continues to fight for the voiceless and for just in the corrupt country of Indonesia. This does not go unnoticed. In 1998, Suharto resigned from his presidency - clearing the path for a reform in the government. The first step was establishing freedom of speech that Indonesian people long for. In 1999, Japan was the first one to recognized Hardi's amazing spirit and journey.
From April 18th to May 16th 1999, Hardi held his first exhibition in Tokyo, japan. He was personally invited by Seiichi Okawa, head of the Indonesian Cultural Plaza, Tokyo, where the exhibition took place. "As Indonesia recovered political freedom and the freedom of speech, it is of no more use for fine arts to just criticize the establishment. What is most important now is the aesthetic value of painting itself. I believe beauty is a bridge for understanding humanity and the world," state Okawa San. Hardi's exhibition and visit to Japan brings a lot of attention. he was covered by numerous media. He was also awarded as The Man of the Year in Asia by NHK Television Station Japan that same year.
This is Hardi's profile that was featured on NHK.
This is Hardi's journey in Japan.