Jakarta, July 3, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, together with Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Veronica Tan, officially opened the Kids Biennale Indonesia 2025 at the Galeri Nasional Indonesia. This biennial event showcases children’s paintings as well as selected works by professional artists.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf - Wamenekraf Irene Umar dukung Kids Biennale tambah keceriaan menuju Indonesia Emas 2024, Galeri Nasional Indonesia, Jakarta, Kamis (3/7/2025).
“This is a true spirit of collaboration between ministries and institutions under the Red and White Cabinet, showing care and solidarity for children. We hope this event can inspire us to create cheerful art—a form of self-expression that adds joy to our nation as we head toward the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision,” said Deputy Minister Irene in her opening remarks at the Galeri Nasional Indonesia, Central Jakarta, Thursday, July 3, 2025.
“Every moment here is not only for children, but also a reminder for us to reconnect with our inner child,” Deputy Minister Irene added.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf
Carrying the theme “Growing Without Fear,” the exhibition features 142 works, most of which were created by children, alongside three Indonesian professional artists. The participants include children and teenagers aged 6–17, as well as children with special needs up to 22 years old.
Rooted in the philosophy of cipta, rasa, and karsa (creation, emotion, and aspiration), the Kids Biennale emphasizes the vital role of art in supporting the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children and teenagers. Deputy Minister Irene highlighted the festival as a collaborative effort to nurture creativity and self-expression across all ages.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf
“We hope that festivals such as the Kids Biennale Indonesia can nurture a resilient generation. Through art, we learn how to express ourselves. Art becomes a channel for our deepest emotions. Kids Biennale Indonesia is for children, but it is also a healing session for us adults to learn from,” Deputy Minister Irene expressed.
The Kids Biennale Indonesia is held from July 3–31, 2025, in conjunction with National Children’s Day celebrations. With its creative and joyful approach, visual art serves as a transformative medium to build a generation with strong morals, empathy, and a deep sense of social responsibility.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf
“This is a momentum to appreciate the works and achievements of Indonesian children. Hopefully, this will become a platform of collaboration and advocacy for children’s equality in creating a better world. Here we can see how children learn to channel emotions and express themselves through paintings, drawings, and their creative works. Kids Biennale Indonesia, We are agents of change!” said Deputy Minister Veronica Tan.
The opening ceremony of Kids Biennale Indonesia (KBI) 2025 featured a sing-along of the KBI jingle “Agent of Change,” a performance by Namarina Ballet, several children performers, and a special guest appearance by Kunto Aji. The program also included a preview tour of the exhibition, highlighting the creativity of Indonesian children and teenagers who are sensitive to current issues, and reflect courage, hopes, and strengths drawn from their experiences.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf
Also present Executive Director of the Indonesia Heritage Agency, Esti Nurjadin; Chairperson of Kids Biennale Indonesia Foundation, Gie Sanjaya; Board Advisor of KBI, Cosmas Gozali; Director of Italian Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Maria Battaglia; and other VIPs. Deputy Minister Irene was accompanied by Deputy for Cultural and Design Creativity, Yuke Sri Rahayu; Director for Fine Arts and Performing Arts, Dadam Mahdar; and Director for Architecture and Design, Sabar Norma Megawati Panjaitan.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
