The Real Star Trek Experience Lands in South Jakarta

Star Trek fans and curious visitors alike are sure to have a blast at a traveling exhiition of the enduring franchise’s sets and props. (Photo courtesy of Panorama Live)

Star Trek fans in Jakarta no longer have to wait for Scotty to beam them up for a real Star Trek experience. After wrapping up a show in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a traveling Star Trek exhibition that took off in 2012 has finally arrived in Jakarta. It opened last week, bringing to the city an exciting mixture of authentic sets, costumes and props from the enduring sci-fi franchise.

Often confused with the fantasy franchise Star Wars by casual crowds, Star Trek follows the adventures of Captain James Tiberius Kirk and the crew in a starship called Enterprise in the 23rd century. The story was first created by US producer and screenwriter Gene Roddenberry in 1966 as a TV series. The story dwelled on the small screen for more than a decade until the first Star Trek movie, “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” was released in 1979. Over the years, Paramount Pictures created 10 more feature films before producing the “Star Trek” reboot in 2009, directed by J.J. Abrams (who, incidentally, will direct the latest Star Wars movie). 

Taking inspiration from the fifth Star Trek movie for the title, “Star Trek: The Exhibition — The Final Frontier” promises not only entertainment and experience, but education as well. It features all parts of the canon, including from the 2009 movie. Only the latest Star Trek film, “Star Trek Into Darkness,” is not included as it was released a year after the exhibition started.

This exhibition is produced by EMS Exhibits and licensed by CBS Consumer Products; in Jakarta, it is organized by Panorama Live.

The Klingon park is the first thing that visitors will see upon entering the 3,500-square-meter venue at Gandaria City mall’s external ground in South Jakarta. In the park, guests are allowed to take photos in front of the gigantic backgrounds that, among others, feature William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and other actors from “Star Trek: The Original Series.” Panorama Live has also put up a giant screen showing Star Trek movies.

Upon stepping inside, it becomes even more evident how a vivid imagination has kept the franchise alive for decades, as visitors are instantly greeted by an impressive display of screenplays, sketches, story boards, concept arts and original posters. In one corner is a green screen for a photo opportunity with your favorite character, but throughout the exhibition, there are many more photo ops, including in Captain Kirk’s chair, the Transporter Room and inside the Enterprise set.

Visitors observing the costume display. (Photo courtesy of Panorama Live)

Deeper inside, visitors will learn about the many variations of the captain’s costumes and how they have evolved over the years. A lot of old props serve as memorabilia, such as a Klingon dictionary, laser guns and communication devices. There is also a set of real costumes worn by the actors of the 2009 movie, Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana and Simon Pegg.

There is a lot to discover if one wants to understand the history and evolution of Star Trek, and the exhibition allows both fans and novices to see Star Trek from different perspectives.

“It was interesting to note that many inventions, such as mobile phones, were inspired by fictional gadgets on Star Trek,” said Rama Tirtawisata, the group managing director of Panorama Group.

Sekar Hamdi, 40, from the Indo Star Trek community, said she first watched Star Trek on state-run TVRI in the late 1970s. She was instantly hooked and loves how the show subtly addresses the issue of racism, which was a major issue during that period.

“Star Trek stars represent all kinds of races, from Caucasian, Asian and African — it’s such a beautiful portrayal of the future,” Sekar said. “Star Trek doesn’t emphasize wars, but living values, leadership and diversity.”

The exhibition, Sekar said, should satisfy fans as well as those who are simply interested to know more about Star Trek. According to Sekar, all visitors should feel welcome, as the organizers don’t want this exhibition to feel exclusive.

Prior to landing in Jakarta, “Star Trek: The Exhibition — The Final Frontier” had drawn in more than five million visitors in the United States and beyond, including Taipei and Kuala Lumpur.

So if you’re a Star Trek fan, the exhibition is the place to be. And if you’re not — well, it’s never too late to fall in love with the franchise.

Star Trek: The Exhibition — The Final Frontier
Through July 13, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Gandaria City Ground External
Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda 5/8, South Jakarta
For tickets, visit kiostix.com or purchase them on site