Jakarta, 5 May 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, attended the Art Jakarta Gardens exhibition at Hutan Kota Plataran, Jakarta, on Tuesday (5/5). The exhibition serves as a contemporary art platform with economic, social, and cultural diplomacy values that are highly relevant amid global dynamics.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar delivered remarks at the Art Jakarta Gardens exhibition at Hutan Kota Plataran, Jakarta, Tuesday (5/5/2026).
Held in an open-air setting, Art Jakarta Gardens not only showcases visual art but is also designed as an inclusive public interaction space through music performances, fresh curatorial approaches, and educational tours for visitors.
Deputy Minister Irene Umar emphasized that the exhibition reflects cross-sector collaboration between the government and stakeholders in strengthening the creative ecosystem. She noted that visual art holds significant potential as both an economic driver and an investment instrument.
“Art is one of the drivers of the economy, and it can also serve as an investment. Our hope is that the creative economy ecosystem here can support those in the art and cultural sectors, as Indonesia’s source code is its culture. Without cultural roots, our creativity would not have a strong foundation,” she stated.
Documentation: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Meanwhile, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon remarked that Art Jakarta Gardens serves as an oasis amid global geopolitical challenges. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration in strengthening the downstreaming of Indonesia’s cultural wealth.
“The presence of 26 galleries opens opportunities for Indonesian artists to showcase their best works, expand networks, and reach more diverse audiences. We believe that the visual arts ecosystem is characterized by collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability. Our country’s mega diversity—with more than 1,340 ethnic traditions—provides infinite sources of inspiration. These can be further developed by the creative economy and tourism sectors,” he said.
The Art Jakarta Gardens 2026 exhibition features 26 prominent galleries, focusing on sculptures and installations that utilize the open landscape as an artistic medium. A total of 31 sculptures are displayed throughout the Hutan Kota Plataran area, creating a dynamic visual experience for visitors.
VIP Relations Director of Art Jakarta, Hafidz Ahmad Irfanda, stated that this year’s event also marks the participation of new galleries from across Asia.
“We are also welcoming five new galleries, three of which are from the Asian region, including Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, and Seoul. The number 31 reflects the growing enthusiasm among art practitioners, as well as increasing international exposure opportunities for Indonesian artists. We hope Art Jakarta Gardens 2026 will be a success and further reinforce the relevance of Indonesian art and culture on both regional and international stages,” he added.
Documentation: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Also in attendance were Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, along with representatives from industry and strategic partners. The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy was accompanied by Special Staff to the Minister for Strengthening the Creative Economy Ecosystem and Data, Jago Anggara, as well as the Director of Visual Arts and Performing Arts, Dadam Mahdar.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
