Jakarta, 6 September 2025 – SBY Art Community officially opened the painting exhibition titled Art for Peace and a Better Future. The exhibition is held to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Teuku Riefky Harsya, menghadiri pembukaan Pameran SBY Art Community di kawasan ASHTA District 8, Jakarta, Sabtu (06/09/2025).
The 6th President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), as Founder and Patron of SBY Art Community, stated that the exhibition was born from the belief that art is a universal language that unites. Through the theme Art for Peace and a Better Future, SBY aims to invite the public to strengthen the spirit of peace, preserve the environment, and look to the future with optimism.
“The presence of this exhibition reflects artists’ concern for life issues, both in Indonesia and other nations. Artists also want to be part of the solution, as we all cherish peace,” said SBY during the opening held at ASHTA District 8, SCBD Jakarta on Saturday, 6 September 2025.
The exhibition is open to the public from 7 September to 5 October 2025 at Spac8, ASHTA District 8 SCBD. SBY Art Community was founded on the idea that visual art can serve as a bridge for peace as well as a reflective space for global justice. SBY, who is currently active in painting, also hopes that Indonesian painting can amplify the message of peace and sustainability to the international community.
The community is based on three thematic pillars: conflict resolution, upholding humanity, and environmental sustainability. A total of 31 paintings are exhibited, highlighting themes of peace, sustainability, and intergenerational hope.
The exhibition involves collaboration among four national art institutions: FSRD ISI Yogyakarta, FSRD ISI Surakarta, FSRD ITB, and FSRD IKJ, along with five independent professional painters, including SBY himself. This collaboration transforms the exhibition into a visual dialogue blending humanitarian and ecological values.
Doc. Communication Bureau of Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is a collaborative painting measuring 2.5 x 7 meters, created by SBY Art Community painters together with SBY. This artwork is an adaptation and visual expression of the major theme Art for Peace and a Better Future, inspired by the music video Save Our World, an artistic call to protect the earth and strengthen global solidarity.
The collaborative painting, titled Destruction Ruins, Peace Paints, represents a monumental and tangible expression of the artists’ creativity, embodying the spirit of togetherness and commitment to conveying messages of peace and global sustainability. Additionally, eight personal paintings by SBY are also exhibited, offering his reflections on peace, humanity, and love for the homeland.
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya stated that the Art for Peace and a Better Future exhibition is a collaborative momentum involving artists from diverse backgrounds, with more than 30 works reflecting peace, sustainability, and intergenerational hope.
“We are attending a meaningful moment: an exhibition that not only showcases aesthetics but also represents an effort to strengthen the economic value of paintings with touches of innovation and creativity,” explained Minister Teuku Riefky.
Coordinator of SBY Art Community, Ediwan Prabowo, emphasized that the exhibition is not only an artistic event but also a space for collective reflection.
“Each work displayed is created seriously and thoughtfully. Every piece conveys messages about empathy, life, and hope for the future. The exhibition aims to show that art is not only to be seen but also to be felt. That is why we chose to hold the exhibition in a mall, a public space accessible to a wide audience, so art can be more inclusive,” said Ediwan.
Doc. Communication Bureau of Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The exhibition is curated by Suwarno Wisetrotomo and Rizki Akhmad Zaelani, two national curators with long-standing reputations in Indonesia’s art world. Through a deep curatorial approach, they emphasize the importance of art as a reflective dialogue space while making the exhibition a medium to respond to universal humanitarian and environmental issues.
As part of public education, the exhibition includes Artist Talks and Art Workshops open to visitors. Through these programs, artists and curators share their creative processes, artistic philosophies, and reflections on the role of art in building a peaceful and sustainable future.
The Art for Peace and a Better Future exhibition is expected to strengthen the spirit of togetherness, expand appreciation for visual art, and reaffirm the contribution of art in supporting sustainable development.
“We invite the public, art enthusiasts, students, academics, and media colleagues to come and experience the exhibition at ASHTA District 8, SCBD Jakarta. The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00 WIB. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness these meaningful works and become part of the movement for art, peace, and a better future,” concluded Ediwan.
Also present at the opening were Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, Minister of Transmigration Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, Deputy Minister of ATR/BPN Ossy Dermawan, Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, and Chairman of Didit Hediprasetyo Foundation Didit Prabowo.
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky was accompanied by Director of Visual and Performing Arts Dadam Mahdar, Director of Publishing and Photography Iman Santosa, and Acting Head of Bureau for Communication Kiagoos Irvan Faisal.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
