Jakarta, 25 September 2025 — The Ministry of Creative Economy and ruangrupa, the Jakarta-based art collective that curated documenta fifteen in Germany, are exploring a strategic collaboration to develop Indonesia’s visual arts ecosystem. The planned partnership aims to create a series of internationally-standard art events to boost the creative economy and attract more foreign tourists.
Wakil Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Irene Umar, menerima audiensi “ruangrupa”, Jakarta, Kamis (25/09/2025).
“All 17 subsectors of the creative economy have their own ecosystems. Visual arts, beyond the artworks themselves, involve various industry players. This is a huge potential that we can develop to drive economic growth—this is why the word ‘economy’ is in the ministry’s name,” said Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar during an audience with ruangrupa at the Ministry’s office in Jakarta on Thursday, 25 September 2025.
Founded in 2000, ruangrupa is known for its cross-disciplinary, collaborative approach, including partnerships with Synchronize Fest 2025 and music label Demajors. In the festival, ruangrupa and Demajors showcased visual art activations reflecting 25 years of the collective’s journey. ruangrupa has also curated festivals and events globally, including Gwangju Biennale (South Korea), Istanbul Biennale (Turkey), Singapore Biennale, and Asia Pacific Triennale (Australia).
Their international achievements include the Festival OK Video since 2003 and the “lumbung” exhibition at documenta fifteen in Germany (2022), which involved 1,500 artists and attracted over 750,000 visitors.
The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy noted that the international art events organized by ruangrupa could be replicated domestically in collaboration with national art events. The attention ruangrupa has received globally can be leveraged to attract international visitors to Indonesia.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
“Gradually, we can build a narrative that Indonesia is a source of inspiration for artists worldwide. The key points, or the artistic pulse of the world, are actually found in various regions across Indonesia. With ruangrupa, we could create a series of art events, together with existing platforms like ArtJog and Biennale, gamifying the experience to make it engaging for both local communities and visiting tourists,”Deputy Minister of Creative Economy explained.
Farid Aditama Rakun from ruangrupa emphasized the importance of making art grounded and accessible to the public while opening up creative economy opportunities.
“We believe that art should not only be consumed by gallery visitors but should live within communities. Therefore, our works are not just showcases—they also come in creative products like t-shirts, bags, and more. We open the market so the public, not just art collectors, can enjoy it,” said Farid.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
Farid also expressed hope for a sustainable collaboration between the art industry and the government. He believes that synergy with the Ministry of Creative Economy will foster a more structured and continuous visual arts ecosystem.
“The visual arts ecosystem needs continuous development through lasting relationships between field practitioners and policymakers, not just for a single event but extending to various other formats. Therefore, we hope that collaboration with the Ministry of Creative Economy can be more structured and sustainable, building a shared understanding to develop the art market and economy,” Farid added.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
Director of Visual Arts and Performing Arts Dadam Mahdar accompanied Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, while ruangrupa was represented by members Dirdho Adithyo and Faisal Muhammad.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau of Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
