Jakarta, September 18, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Deputy Minister of Ekraf), Irene Umar, officially opened Indonesia Design Week (IDW) 2026. Entering its third edition, the annual event explores design from various perspectives through the principles of collaboration and cultural curation, and is built upon diversity.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Deputy Minister of Ekraf), Irene Umar, officially opens and delivers remarks at the Indonesia Design Week (IDW) 2026 at Indonesia Design District (IDD), PIK 2, Friday (18/9/2026).
“Many people may see design only from an aesthetic perspective. However, we know that science also shapes and influences human behavior, including how we act, move, eat, and live our daily lives. Therefore, design is not merely about aesthetics. Design is present in our lives and, at the same time, helps shape the way we live,” said Irene during the opening of IDW 2026 at Indonesia Design District (IDD), PIK 2, Friday (18/9).
The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy also underscored the importance of protecting Intellectual Property (IP) in local design works. According to her, the commercialization and patenting of designs are key to enabling Indonesian designers’ works to compete in global markets while driving a decentralized economy domestically.
“We want to encourage intellectual property protection for designs so that we can create better changes and make use of local designs, not only for the global market but also for Indonesia itself. From there, we can see the strength of local design, including in architecture,” said Irene.
Held from September 18–27, 2026, IDW, themed The Collective Culture, also strengthens international collaboration through a strategic partnership, for the first time, with Salone del Mobile.Milano of Italy. The collaboration brings ideas from young global designers to Indonesia to accelerate knowledge transfer and expand the supply chain of the local creative industry.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
CEO of Indonesia Design District (IDD) PIK 2, Ipeng Widjojo, said that IDW is not merely a celebration, but a continuously evolving ecosystem. He said that IDW serves as a bridge connecting designers, brands, manufacturers, and institutions in Indonesia to the global stage.
“We hope this exhibition will not only provide inspiration, but also spark conversations, collaborations, and new ideas within Indonesia’s design community. That future must be built collectively through collaboration, diversity, creativity, and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt,” said Ipeng.
The opening of IDW 2026 was also attended by Ambassador of Italy to Indonesia Roberto Colaminè, Ambassador of France to Indonesia Fabien Penone, CEO of Amarta Agung Sedayu Group Natalia Kusumo, Founder & Curator of SaloneSatellite Marva Griffin Wilshire, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano Maria Porro, and Director of Architecture and Design at the Ministry of Creative Economy, Sabar Norma Megawati Panjaitan.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
