Jakarta, July 15, 2026 – Vice Minister of Creative Economy/Vice Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, discussed innovation in timber-based architecture with Buana Triarta and Timberlab. The Vice Minister highlighted the sector's potential as a sustainable creative business solution.
Vice Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, receives representatives of Buana Triarta and Timberlab during an audience at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta, Wednesday (July 15, 2026).
"We need to understand how the creative industry is evolving alongside global trends. Environmentally friendly materials such as engineered wood offer tremendous opportunities, but their success depends on building a strong ecosystem, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and demonstrating their value through sustainable real-world projects that people can see and experience," Irene said during the meeting held at the Ministry of Creative Economy's office in Jakarta on Wednesday (July 15).
The discussion served as a platform to explore strategies for strengthening the architectural ecosystem, advancing sustainable building practices, and promoting the use of environmentally sustainable materials that can increase the added value of Indonesia's creative industries. Irene also emphasized the government's openness to showcasing timber-based works in public spaces as educational tools and as platforms to highlight Indonesia's architectural innovation.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
She noted that timber installations and pavilions should be further promoted to expand international exposure and open export opportunities by demonstrating alternative, functional applications of timber materials. The Ministry of Creative Economy is committed to facilitating access through showcases, exhibitions, and public spaces where people can directly experience the potential of sustainable timber.
"The more people can touch, experience, and understand the benefits of locally sourced materials, the greater the opportunity for this industry to grow, create added economic value, and reduce dependence on imported materials," Irene added.
Buana Triarta is a raw material manufacturing company with subsidiaries, including Timberlab, which specializes in architectural design and construction services using timber-based materials. According to Timberlab Founder Tirto Hutomo Yuandi, Indonesia's abundant forest resources position the country to become a leading player in timber-based architecture across Southeast Asia.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
"The Vice Minister encouraged us not to wait for the domestic market to mature, but to also look beyond Indonesia to markets such as the Philippines and Singapore. It would be ideal if they could use timber sourced from Indonesia. We also discussed various collaboration opportunities today, including developing timber-based public spaces that could help drive the growth of the creative industry," said Tirto Hutomo Yuandi, Founder of Timberlab and Director of PT Buana Triarta.
Previously, Timberlab participated in designing and constructing booths and installations for Hackathon Arch ID 2026, a collaboration between the Ministry of Creative Economy and the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI). The project featured a Parametric Modular Timber Pavilion constructed using Glulam (Glued-Laminated Timber). The installation was designed for rapid assembly, minimal material waste (zero waste), and modular dismantling and reassembly.
During the meeting, Vice Minister Irene Umar was accompanied by Director of Architecture and Design Sabar Norma Megawati Panjaitan. Also in attendance were Timberlab General Manager William Jose Wisnuwardana and Timberlab architect Nathania Dwi Putri.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
