Jakarta, 12 February 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, expressed her belief that creativity in Indonesia can emerge through cross-sector collaboration, one of which is through design competitions. This was conveyed during the announcement of the winners of the Design Hunt Competition, a collaboration between ID. Buzz and the Ministry of Creative Economy, held at Pondok Indah Mall 2, Jakarta.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, attended the announcement of the winners of the Design Hunt Competition, a collaboration between ID. Buzz and the Ministry of Creative Economy, at Pondok Indah Mall 2, Jakarta, Thursday (12/2/2026).
The ID. Buzz Design Competition is a strategic collaboration between Volkswagen Indonesia and the Ministry of Creative Economy to provide a platform for Indonesian creators to reflect local identity and the spirit of future mobility through the VW ID. Buzz electric vehicle. Carrying the theme “Neo Nusantara: Myth in Rhythm,” Iqbal Tawakal from Bandung was selected as the winner.
“Indonesia’s creativity in a neo way reflects how culture and the creative economy remain relevant in everyday life through technological advancement. We can see how Volkswagen, through the VW Kombi, has upgraded its design with compelling creative elements. Let us, creative economy practitioners, continue to innovate so that our works can be showcased on the international stage,” said Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar in her remarks during the announcement ceremony, Thursday (12/2).
Documentation by Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Through this competition, participants were given the opportunity to develop visuals or artwork that present a new character for the ID. Buzz while showcasing creative expressions relevant to Indonesian culture. The winning work will then be realized in the form of a custom sticker design applied directly to the ID. Buzz unit to be exhibited in Volkswagen areas or national automotive events, as an effort to connect the automotive industry with Indonesia’s creative economy ecosystem.
“This creativity serves as proof that Volkswagen is like a canvas for creative economy practitioners. Certainly, this is not our first collaboration, and I am confident it will continue. Previously, we also presented several illustrators who directly painted their works in various cities,” added Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Creative Economy and Volkswagen Indonesia began in July 2025 through an audience meeting with PT Garuda Mataram Motor as the authorized brand holder of Volkswagen Indonesia, aimed at expanding opportunities for local creators while increasing exposure for creative works.
Documentation by Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“The initial inspiration for the design concept came from several IPs at my workplace. In addition, I also considered Vimana as an ancient transportation technology, which I incorporated to enhance a futuristic impression. The color selection is more dynamic and contemporary to create a distinctive look, combining traditional elements with natural tones and pastel colors to ensure broader global acceptance,” said Iqbal Tawakal, the winner, who works as a graphic designer at PT Kreasi Pala Nusantara.
The integration of the design subsector into future mobility innovation is reflected in the latest VW vehicle design. Competitions such as this represent the Government’s support for the downstreaming of creative works into products that provide functional value and contribute to added economic value.
“The VW vehicle represents the future. In its design, I incorporated traditional elements such as symbols and Nusantara mythology, with the hope of conveying the spirit of cultural diversity that remains relevant for everyday application alongside technology. I also hope that the Ministry of Creative Economy can continue to bring forward local artists and designers who uphold Nusantara traditions, so that facilitation through design competitions like this can reach a global stage,” expressed Iqbal Tawakal.
Documentation by Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Also accompanying Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar was the Deputy for Cultural Creativity and Design, Yuke Sri Rahayu. Also in attendance was the Chief Operating Officer of PT Garuda Mataram Motor (Audi & Volkswagen Indonesia), Edo Januarko Chandra.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
