Jakarta, 11 March, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, discussed plans for the Biennale MARWAH, a visual art exhibition focusing on the works of Indonesian female artists. Irene Umar expressed appreciation for the exhibition concept presented by the ARTPORA art community.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, received an audience with the ARTPORA art community at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office, Jakarta, Wednesday (11/3/2026).
“I am pleased with the spiritual aspect reflected in the concept of Biennale MARWAH. The meaning of ‘Marwah’ in Indonesian carries a sense of spiritualism, Indonesian identity, authenticity, and the expressions of these women,” said Irene Umar during the meeting with ARTPORA at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
ARTPORA is a collective platform for artists in Jakarta that aims to strengthen the city’s identity through visual art practices. Through the Biennale MARWAH initiative, the community seeks to create a creative dialogue space for female artists while highlighting their contributions to the development of contemporary Indonesian art.
The Deputy Minister also praised the exhibition for combining spiritual values, cultural identity, and the personal expression of the artists. According to her, this approach is an important strength in building an authentic artistic narrative.
Biennale MARWAH is designed as an exhibition featuring works by Indonesian female artists that highlight issues of identity, equality, and the courage to voice life experiences through artistic mediums. The event is scheduled to take place from August 21 to September 4, 2026, at Pos Bloc Jakarta.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Exhibition curator Dolorosa Sinaga explained that MARWAH does not only speak about women, but also about broader human values. Around 50 female artists will participate in the exhibition themed Reposisi, which emphasizes efforts to reposition women’s perspectives within social and cultural spaces.
“This exhibition is a statement that it will no longer be just an annual exhibition, but will develop into the Biennale MARWAH—a biennale dedicated to women’s works that may become one of the first in the world. The theme Reposisi means repositioning ourselves, how women in Indonesia not only reflect on personal experiences but also open horizons toward social and political issues,” explained Dolorosa.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The Ministry of Creative Economy is ready to collaborate with art communities to strengthen the national visual arts ecosystem while opening wider opportunities for the creativity of Indonesian women.
The meeting was also attended by curator Evelyn Huang, ARTPORA Founder and Biennale MARWAH Chair Ravoluta S, as well as ARTPORA Founder and Technical Coordinator Eko Banding. Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister was accompanied by Director of Visual Arts and Performing Arts Dadam Mahdar.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
