Jakarta, July 1, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, visited the exhibition space at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) in Jakarta in preparation for the upcoming 100 Years of Oey Soe Tjoen Batik Exhibition. The visit reflects the Ministry’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage as a means of strengthening the creative economy ecosystem.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf - Wamenekraf Irene Umar tinjau kesiapan pameran 100 tahun Batik Oey Soe Tjoen di TIM, Jakarta, Selasa (1/7/2025).
"We want to see the space firsthand and bring all stakeholders together so that this exhibition is not only held successfully but also leaves a meaningful impact. Oey Soe Tjoen Batik is more than just an artwork—it is living proof of Indonesia’s deep and far-reaching cultural legacy. It is a creative expression born from process, philosophy, and heritage, and deserves to be honored in public spaces," said Deputy Minister Irene during her visit to the Ali Sadikin Building at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
Earlier, Deputy Minister Irene visited the Oey Soe Tjoen Batik workshop in Pekalongan, Central Java, now managed by Widianti Widjaja, the third-generation heir of the craft. She emphasized the importance of culture-based creative economy as a new driver of growth, with exhibitions serving as a tangible form of collaboration between central and regional governments, as well as cross-sector involvement in the preservation and regeneration of local cultural assets.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf
"We are ready to help make this exhibition happen, ranging from facilitating communication to strengthening narratives and creative curation. This is part of our effort to position the creative economy as the new engine of growth, rooted in tradition and community potential," said Deputy Minister Irene. Andhika Ajie, Head of the Regional Research and Innovation Center at the Jakarta Regional
Development Planning Agency (Badan Perencanaan Pembangunan Daerah/Bappeda), welcomed the spirit of collaboration. As a follow-up, the Jakarta Regional Development Planning Agency and Jakpro are exploring collaboration schemes to consistently activate the Ali Sadikin Building at TIM through relevant art and cultural activities. The public space is envisioned as an open yet well-curated creative platform.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf
"Oey Soe Tjoen Batik is a creative economy masterpiece with high cultural value, deserving a proper stage in its homeland. That’s why we welcome communities and creative talents committed to continuity and pride in Indonesian culture," said Andhika.
The 100 Years of Oey Soe Tjoen Batik Exhibition is scheduled to take place on July 25, 2025, showcasing the long journey of Batik Peranakan crafted through generations, intergenerational narratives, and craft philosophy recognized internationally. Oey Soe Tjoen Batik pieces have even been displayed at the Peranakan Museum in Singapore as symbols of Indonesia’s cultural wealth.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf
During the visit, Deputy Minister Irene also held discussions with representatives from Jakpro and the management of Taman Ismail Marzuki regarding technical aspects and cross-agency support for the exhibition. Deputy Minister Irene, accompanied by Deputy for Cultural and Design Creativity, Yuke Sri Rahayu, and Director for Craft, Neli Yana.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
