Jakarta, 7 January 2026 — The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency discussed collaboration opportunities to support ARCH:ID 2026, an annual architecture forum and exhibition initiated by the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI). Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar emphasized the importance of this event as a platform to showcase architectural innovation.
“ARCH:ID serves as an important platform to present architectural innovation and encourage tangible collaboration across subsectors. Architecture also has the potential to become the new engine of growth for the creative economy,” said Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar during an audience with IAI at Autograph Tower, Jakarta, Wednesday (7/1/2026).
The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, received an audience from the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI) at the Ministry of Creative Economy, Jakarta, Wednesday (7/1/2026).
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar affirmed that architecture plays a strategic role within the creative economy ecosystem, particularly in utilizing public spaces as a medium for cross-subsector collaboration, ranging from visual communication design, interior design, product and furniture, fine arts, to the development of Intellectual Property (IP). According to the Deputy Minister, this interconnectedness is key to creating spaces that are not only functional, but also valuable and impactful for society.
“We want to elevate this event to the next level. Not merely as a discussion forum, but as a gateway to real collaboration. Architecture must be present as part of the solution, as well as a driver of the creative ecosystem,” added the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy.
According to the Deputy Minister, ARCH:ID has the potential to become a strategic space that brings together architects, designers, government, and creative industry players through applied approaches, such as matchmaking sessions, public space showcases, and simulations of design ideas that are relevant to urban needs. ARCH:ID 2026 is scheduled to take place on 23–26 April 2026 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD City, Tangerang, marking its sixth edition since it was first held in 2020.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
Firman S. Herwanto, Vice Chairman of IAI as well as Program Director of ARCH:ID, explained that ARCH:ID 2026 carries the theme “Skema Sintesa”, which emphasizes the importance of collaboration and continuity in architectural practice, particularly within urban and ecological contexts. This theme aligns with the spirit of the Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency in encouraging cross-subsector collaboration within the creative economy.
“Today, architecture is no longer individual in nature. Its role has evolved into that of a facilitator for the creative industry ecosystem. Skema Sintesa was born from the awareness that architectural challenges are interconnected and can only be addressed through collaborative work,” said Firman.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
Firman also highlighted the increasingly strong role of women architects in Indonesia’s architectural landscape, which is now more visible and gaining space in shaping the major ideas of ARCH:ID 2026. During the audience, IAI expressed its hope that the Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency could provide sustained support for ARCH:ID, including strengthening international networks and urban policy discourse. IAI also opened opportunities for Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar to participate in the ARCH:ID Conference 2026 series.
Through this potential collaboration, the Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency aims to ensure that architecture is increasingly recognized as an integral part of Indonesia’s creative economy, while contributing to the creation of urban spaces that are inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive.
Accompanying Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar during the audience were Deputy Minister for Cultural Creativity and Design Yuke Sri Rahayu and Director of Architecture and Design Sabar Norma Megawati Panjaitan.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
