Art Jakarta 2025 officially opened on Friday at JIExpo Kemayoran, turning the spotlight on Indonesia’s growing art scene and its expanding influence across Southeast Asia.
The three-day event features 75 galleries, including 35 international participants from 16 countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Australia.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon highlighted the event’s importance in advancing Indonesia’s creative economy, noting that the cultural and creative industries are becoming key drivers of global growth.
He said that through fine art, Indonesians can explore their diverse cultural expressions while contributing to sustainable economic development. Fadli added that the ministry continues to measure the overall economic impact of the art sector on the national economy.
Space for Emerging Artists
To strengthen Indonesia’s creative presence, the Ministry of Culture has introduced the National Talent Management (MTN) Arts and Culture programme to Art Jakarta 2025.
Carrying the theme “Arus Baru” (Rising Current), the exhibition is curated by Agung Hujatnikajennong and features six promising Indonesian artists whose works reflect the evolving face of contemporary art.
Uji Handoko reinterprets history with humour by portraying Prince Diponegoro as a cheerful memoji, while Syaiful Aulia Garibaldi addresses ecological concerns through sculptures made from natural materials.
Mariam Sofrina, on the other hand, explores Indonesia’s colonial past through experimental photography. Fadli Zon said that the ministry will continue to provide platforms for artists to create and exhibit their work to broader audiences, ensuring that emerging creators receive international exposure.
Strengthening Indonesia’s Global Art Presence
Beyond the domestic stage, the Ministry of Culture also plans to support Indonesian artists in upcoming international events such as the Venice Biennale next year.
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya described Art Jakarta as a barometer of Southeast Asian contemporary art and expressed his hope that it will strengthen national identity while opening doors for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Fair Director Tom Tandio shared that partnerships with foreign media and institutions have elevated Art Jakarta’s regional prestige, making it one of the most trusted art exhibitions in Asia.
Among the highlights this year are Aditya Novali’s monumental 5.4-metre-high installation, Nur Ipeh’s award-winning “Ombak Belum Tidur” presented by Ara Contemporary, and “Portrait of Possibilities” by Agus Suwage, showcased through the collaboration of Bibit and Stockbit.
Running from 3–5 October 2025 at JIExpo Kemayoran, Art Jakarta continues to serve as a bridge between art, culture, and commerce.
