Jakarta, September 1, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) is strengthening preparations for the United Overseas Bank Painting of the Year (UOB POY), a competitive platform that provides local artists with access to regional networks and global markets. The initiative is expected to accelerate the growth of the visual arts subsector and strengthen the national creative economy ecosystem.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency Irene Umar (left) during a meeting with UOB at Autograph Building, Jakarta, Monday (1/9/2026).
“This cross-sector collaboration is an important foundation for expanding opportunities for local talent to showcase their work and compete globally. We appreciate UOB’s efforts to support capacity building and provide spaces for creative expression that can generate greater economic value for visual artists,” said Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar during a meeting at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta, Tuesday (1/9).
The meeting focused on preparations for the 16th UOB POY, aligning the competition with the Ministry of Creative Economy’s strategic agenda. The collaboration responds to the positive trend in Indonesia’s visual arts industry. Based on Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data processed by the Ministry of Creative Economy, the export value of visual arts goods increased from US$2.45 million in January–April 2025 to US$4.28 million during the same period in 2026. A hexaahelix-based approach, bringing together associations, government, academia, media, businesses, and financial institutions, is expected to strengthen the foundation for the international commercialization of Indonesian visual artworks.
“Partnerships between the banking sector, such as UOB, and the creative economy ecosystem are key. When the banking industry provides platforms, access to mentoring, and appropriate financial assessments, our creative entrepreneurs can grow sustainably and create a real impact on the national economy. There is certainly great potential for us to explore and develop further collaboration in the future,” said Irene Umar.
UOB POY is UOB’s flagship visual arts program. Established by the Singapore-based bank, the competition has been running for more than 45 years across ASEAN and has been held in Indonesia since 2011. The 16th UOB POY Awarding Ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 24, 2026, with a public exhibition running from September 24 to October 7, 2026, in Jakarta. Throughout its history in Indonesia, the competition has attracted more than 15,000 artworks and provided opportunities for international exposure across five ASEAN markets through the UOB Art Alumni Network.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The 16th UOB POY activities in October have been proposed for collaboration with the National Creative Economy Day celebrations through the “Oktober Kreasi” program, which will take place throughout the month in various regions. Deputy Minister Irene Umar also discussed preparations for the global World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) 2026, scheduled for October 21–23 at JIEXPO Kemayoran, which will formulate the Jakarta Vision on Creative Economy 2026 with delegations from approximately 80 countries.
UOB’s support for Indonesian creative talent focuses on four main pillars: recognition, development, connection, and regional and global exposure. This support has been reflected in the achievements of past winners, who have received opportunities to exhibit their works at international galleries such as National Gallery Singapore and Art Central Hong Kong, as well as participate in artist residency programs in Paris and Japan.
“For us, this is not merely a competition, but also a platform for building an ecosystem and ensuring that our efforts are aligned with the creative economy sector. Thank you, Madam Deputy Minister, for today’s discussion. We would certainly be delighted to collaborate, particularly through the upcoming Oktober Kreasi program,” said Luke Ariefiandi, Head of Strategic Communications and Brand, UOB Indonesia.
Deputy Minister Irene Umar was accompanied by Director of Visual Arts and Performing Arts Dadam Mahdar.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
