Art Jakarta: Driven by Indonesia’s Creative Community

Art Jakarta thrives on collaboration with artists, galleries, partners, and institutions.

Words Jewel Chuaunsu
Photo courtesy of Art Jakarta
October 17, 2025

Art Jakarta celebrates Indonesian artistry and fosters cross-cultural dialogue, reinforcing Indonesia’s position as a creative hub in Southeast Asia. Recently concluding its 15th edition, Art Jakarta was held from 3-5 October 2025 at JIExpo Kemayoran. As a leading art fair with a strong focus on Southeast Asia, Art Jakarta attracted approximately 38,000 visitors this year and reported positive sales, with a noticeable influx of new collectors. 

ROH at Art Jakarta. 3-5 October 2025, JIExpo Kemayoran.
Photography courtesy of Art Jakarta

Seventy-five notable galleries from 16 countries across Asia and beyond participated this year. The Galleries sector featured standout group exhibitions by ROH, ara contemporary, and Gajah Gallery. Participating galleries from the Philippines were Artinformal, which showcased works by Pope Bacay and Art Tavera, and The Drawing Room, which presented a group exhibition featuring Rinne Abrugena, Maria Cruz, Pep Manalang, and Matina Partosa.

ara contemporary at Art Jakarta 2025, JIExpo Kemayoran.
Courtesy of ara contemporary and the artists

According to Fair Director Tom Tandio, “In an era marked by global and local political shifts and economic headwinds, the resilience of art communities in Indonesia is more vital than ever, reaffirming the essential role of art as a constant in our lives. We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of those who believe in the Fair’s vision: galleries, artists, patrons, partners, institutions, and the Art Jakarta Team themselves. It is this collective commitment that allows Art Jakarta to consistently serve as a robust and reliable platform, fostering crucial dialogue and ensuring the continued dynamism of the art market in the region.”

Driven by Indonesia’s creative community, Art Jakarta thrives on collaboration. This year’s Lead Partners not only supported the fair, but also contributed some of its key highlights. 

Julius Baer VIP Lounge. Art Jakarta. 3-5 October 2025, JIExpo Kemayoran.
Photography courtesy of Art Jakarta

Julius Baer exhibited vibrant works by Indonesian artist Eddie Hara in its VIP Lounge. Having lived and worked in Switzerland for many years, Hara embodies a meaningful dialogue between Swiss and Asian cultures. The presentation displayed his large-scale paintings and Postcards from the Alps series.

Azizi Al Majid and Nuri Fatimah, "Reserve of Care" (2025) presented by Treasury at Art Jakarta 2025, JIExpo Kemayoran.
Photography courtesy of Art Jakarta

A collaboration between Treasury and Art Jakarta bridged the worlds of digital gold investment and contemporary art. Their installation, Reserve of Care by Azizi Al Majid and Nuri Fatimah, took the form of a dining table, reframing the concept of wealth by equating the value of gold with the importance of family. Visitors were invited to engage their senses—looking through peepholes and drawers and experiencing immersive surrounding visuals. 

"Petualangan si Jabrik di Dunia my BCA" at myBCA Space x Muklay. Art Jakarta. 3-5 October 2025, JIExpo Kemayoran.
Photography courtesy of Art Jakarta

BCA, one of Indonesia’s leading banks, hosted an interactive space featuring Muklay’s signature character, Si Jabrik, exploring the world of the myBCA banking app. Visitors enjoyed the artworks, participated in games and activities, and had the chance to redeem exclusive merchandise.

Agus Suwage, "Self-Portrait and the Theater Stage" (2019-2022) presented by Bibit & Stockbit at Art Jakarta 2025, JIExpo Kemayoran.
Photography courtesy of Art Jakarta

Bibit and Stockbit commissioned a new iteration of 60 self-portrait works by Agus Suwage. Portrait of Possibilities reflects on evolving self-identity in response to a changing world. 

Art Jakarta’s Main Partners also collaborated with artists on unique presentations. Ricky Janitra’s rhythmic installation, guided by solar data, was developed in partnership with iForte and iForte Energi. Jessica Soekidi’s New Horizon interpreted the colorful layers of sunrise using a range of materials supplied by TACO. SUPERMUSIC contributed a gallery experience that merged art, music, and fashion.

Ipeh Nur, "Ombak belum Tidur" (2024). Art Jakarta. 3-5 October 2025, JIExpo Kem

SPOT, the fair’s section for large-scale installations, showcased fascinating works by Indonesian artists. In The Waves Haven’t Slept, Ipeh Nur revisited childhood memories and her grandfather’s stories of Nyai Roro Kidul, the Queen of the South Sea in Indonesian folklore. Known to command storms, tsunamis, and sea creatures, the mythical figure was brought to life through a video work and painted installation that invited viewers to step into a cavern-like portal. Nur used the myth to delve into themes of chaos, catastrophe, and hope, and was awarded the Special Prize in the Future Generation Art Prize 2024 for this work. 

Aditya Novali, Object Permanence (Intro) (2025), presented by ROH at Art Jakarta 2025, JIEXpo Kemayoran.
Photography by Maruto Ardi, Courtesy of ROH and the artist

Aditya Novali’s “Object Permanence (Intro)” centered on a five-meter-tall sculpture inspired by an old wardrobe inherited from his grandmother. Duplicating versions of the wardrobe in cracked teak wood, rusted steel, and mirrors, and stacking them together, the artist examined how memories persist and histories endure even when material things fade.

Adi Gunawan, Stolen Muse (2025), presented by SANKHARA Art at Art Jakarta 2025, JIExpo Kemayoran
Courtesy of SANKHARA Art

Other notable SPOT works included Adi Gunawan’s sculpture of a scooter-riding astronaut with the Mona Lisa as passenger—putting a playful twist on art history; Endry Pragusta’s Kelana Series, which contemplated the search for meaning in everyday existence; and a new work by Ardi Gunawan, which merged elements of his previous performance art with painting.

The AJX section included curated programs organized by various institutions in collaboration with Art Jakarta. Representing the vibrancy of South Korea’s contemporary art scene, Korea Focus brought 12 Korean galleries to the fair, in partnership with the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Arts Management Service. 

MTN Seni Rupa presented Rising Current with works by a new generation of Indonesian artists including Dzikra Afifah, Iwan Yusuf, Mariam Sofrina, Natasha Tontey, Syaiful Garibaldi, and Uji Handoko. Meanwhile, Natta-Cita Art Space (NCAS) from ISI Bali highlighted emerging perspectives in Balinese contemporary art.

SCENE provided a dedicated platform for artisan retail and artist-made merchandise, showcasing the work of 33 collectives and artist groups from cities across Indonesia. 

Art Jakarta Papers 2026. Art Jakarta. 3-5 October 2025, JIExpo Kemayoran.
Photography courtesy of Art Jakarta

Finally, Art Jakarta Papers introduced a new concept focusing on paper-based contemporary art in Indonesia. The inaugural edition of this new fair is scheduled to take place from 5-8 February 2026.