Set to take place from October 3–5, 2025, at JIExpo Kemayoran, Art Jakarta is gearing up for what promises to be Indonesia’s most anticipated art fair. With 75 notable galleries hailing from 16 countries, the fair has cemented its position as an organizer playing an increasingly vital role in Southeast Asia’s art world. The 2025 edition signals a strong global commitment, securing major names like the prominent European gallery Esther Schipper, Tina Keng Gallery, and Kaikai Kiki, the art institution founded by renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. But beyond the impressive roster, the heart of the fair lies in the testimonials of the exhibitors, whose motivations reveal Art Jakarta's unique power as a platform for connection and dialogue.
This sentiment of investment in the region is echoed by repeat participants like Sullivan+Strumpf, an Australian gallery with spaces in Singapore, Sydney, and Melbourne. Having participated more than three times, a gallery representative confirmed they find Jakarta interesting, stating, "We are very invested in this region and very invested in Indonesia," noting "a lot of potential" and many new connections made every year. BAIK ART, which operates galleries in Los Angeles, Seoul, and Jakarta, finds the market interesting and keeps returning, noting this will be their third time participating in Art Jakarta.
However, the primary mission at the fair often transcends immediate sales, focusing instead on long-term relationships and education. Kaikai Kiki found that merely making their presence known, having people look at their gallery banner, and reviewing their program was helpful for visitors to "remember our name and matches their interest". The representative concluded: "I think our first mission is to to get to know each other".
Similarly, BAIK ART highlights the value of dialogue, noting that many people love art, and even if they do not purchase a piece, the gallery can provide explanations about the art and the engaging process behind it. They emphasize that people are often "attracted with what is the story, what is the process" rather than just the visual aspect. BAIK ART also uses the platform to showcase the vibrant “diaspora” of artists, including Indonesian artists who do not reside in the country, such as Tintin Wulia, who lives in London and Swiss.
The 2025 program reinforces this local focus through crucial sections like SCENE, which funds and showcases innovative projects from 31 Indonesian collectives and artist groups. Furthermore, the AJX section features a dedicated partnership with MTN (Manajemen Talenta Nasional), highlighting Indonesian creativity under the theme of “Arus Baru” (“the New Wave”), emphasizing Art Jakarta’s mission to support the local art ecosystem.
As Art Jakarta 2025 prepares to open its doors, it reinforces its role as a vital nexus where global galleries meet regional potential, fuelling connections, dialogue, and sustained growth for contemporary art in Southeast Asia.
The Irresistible Draw of Jakarta
For international exhibitors, Art Jakarta serves as a crucial entry point to the dynamic Southeast Asian audience. A representative from Kaikai Kiki Gallery, which is based in Tokyo and represents a mixture of Japanese established and emerging artists (including familiar faces like Mr. Otani Workshop), noted that participation was driven by a desire to get to know more about Southeast Asia. They explained that the fair is a "great opportunity to connect with them in person," recognizing that "not everyone goes overseas and travels to other fairs," necessitating that the gallery "make our way to come and find them".This sentiment of investment in the region is echoed by repeat participants like Sullivan+Strumpf, an Australian gallery with spaces in Singapore, Sydney, and Melbourne. Having participated more than three times, a gallery representative confirmed they find Jakarta interesting, stating, "We are very invested in this region and very invested in Indonesia," noting "a lot of potential" and many new connections made every year. BAIK ART, which operates galleries in Los Angeles, Seoul, and Jakarta, finds the market interesting and keeps returning, noting this will be their third time participating in Art Jakarta.
Navigating the Nuances of the Market
While the potential is clear, the market also requires a tailored approach. For newcomers, the reality of working in Indonesia can be complex. The Kaikai Kiki representative admitted, "in all honesty, we do have to admit that it's a tricky market," and "it's not something that we're used to".However, the primary mission at the fair often transcends immediate sales, focusing instead on long-term relationships and education. Kaikai Kiki found that merely making their presence known, having people look at their gallery banner, and reviewing their program was helpful for visitors to "remember our name and matches their interest". The representative concluded: "I think our first mission is to to get to know each other".
Similarly, BAIK ART highlights the value of dialogue, noting that many people love art, and even if they do not purchase a piece, the gallery can provide explanations about the art and the engaging process behind it. They emphasize that people are often "attracted with what is the story, what is the process" rather than just the visual aspect. BAIK ART also uses the platform to showcase the vibrant “diaspora” of artists, including Indonesian artists who do not reside in the country, such as Tintin Wulia, who lives in London and Swiss.
Strengthening the Local Ecosystem
The fair’s maturity and commitment to elevating local talent are also significant drawcards. Art Jakarta has been praised for continuously improving its presentation, with one observer noting that the fair has become "established" and showing clear effort and development, including improvements in layout.The 2025 program reinforces this local focus through crucial sections like SCENE, which funds and showcases innovative projects from 31 Indonesian collectives and artist groups. Furthermore, the AJX section features a dedicated partnership with MTN (Manajemen Talenta Nasional), highlighting Indonesian creativity under the theme of “Arus Baru” (“the New Wave”), emphasizing Art Jakarta’s mission to support the local art ecosystem.
As Art Jakarta 2025 prepares to open its doors, it reinforces its role as a vital nexus where global galleries meet regional potential, fuelling connections, dialogue, and sustained growth for contemporary art in Southeast Asia.
Author: Peni Zulandari