In a celebration of Indonesia’s creative economy, Garuda Indonesia has unveiled a unique collaboration with Tahilalats, one of the country’s leading intellectual properties (IP).
On Friday, 17 January 2025, the national airline revealed its new aircraft livery, named “Ayo Naik Garuda,” which features the colourful and playful designs of Tahilalats. The design has been applied to Garuda’s Boeing 737-800NG, registered PK-GUG.
The special edition aircraft made its inaugural flight on Saturday, 18 January, flying from Jakarta to Denpasar (Bali), on flight GA-422. The livery showcases the beloved characters of Ben and his orange cat, known for their quirky expressions.
These characters are prominently displayed on the fuselage of the aircraft, as well as on interior elements such as headrest covers, safety instruction cards, and lavatory mirrors.
Passengers aboard this special flight were treated to these creative touches, enhancing their travel experience.
Speaking at the aircraft launch event at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on 17 January, Garuda Indonesia’s President Director, Wamildan Tsani Panjaitan, explained that this collaboration supports the growth of Indonesia’s creative economy, highlighting local talent and intellectual properties.
“Through this collaboration, Garuda Indonesia is proud to support the development of Indonesia’s creative economy as the New Engine of Growth. We are confident that this collaboration with Tahilalats will not only provide a unique and enjoyable flying experience but also elevate our local creative industry to an international level,” he said.
The launch of the “Ayo Naik Garuda” aircraft also marks an important step for local IP in Indonesia. Traditionally, Indonesian creative assets have often been paired with foreign brands, but this partnership with Tahilalats signifies a shift towards embracing homegrown creativity.
To commemorate the collaboration, Garuda Indonesia is also offering exclusive merchandise, including sweatshirts, t-shirts, tumblers, and small bags featuring the Tahilalats designs.
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The announcement has been warmly received by the public. Many netizens expressed their pride in seeing local characters being featured on a national airline.
“Really proud of Om Palik and the team… success always!” wrote one fan, while another commented, “This is how Garuda Indonesia uses local characters!!!”
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, also attended the event and praised the initiative as a prime example of Indonesia’s growing creative economy.
She added that this collaboration would help elevate Indonesian culture and creativity on the international stage through Garuda’s extensive flight network.
By partnering with Tahilalats, Garuda Indonesia not only brings a unique and playful touch to its services but also makes a significant contribution to promoting the nation’s creative industries, supporting local talent, and fostering pride in Indonesia’s cultural assets.
