The economic slowdown in Indonesia has had some impact on art fairs like Art Jakarta 2025, but it was not enough to deter attendance. Held from October 3 to 5, 2025, at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, the event maintained lively art transactions and even saw a 20 percent increase in sales compared to the previous year. Featuring 75 prominent galleries from 16 countries across Asia and beyond, the fair presented a strong lineup of programs, including special presentations, collaborative projects supported by various partners, and participation from several international collectors.
Art Jakarta 2025 demonstrated that the art market remains resilient despite challenging economic conditions. The event created new market opportunities and continued to attract many young buyers with its fresh, accessible visual approach. While the economic slowdown has influenced transaction patterns and purchasing power at art fairs, it has not prevented the ongoing activities and growth in transactions at Art Jakarta 2025.
Changes in buyer behavior at Art Jakarta 2025 influenced sales. On the first day, visitors were mainly art enthusiasts, so transactions were relatively slow. However, the second day saw a peak in sales as more collectors made purchases. The third day was active, with interested collectors finalizing their purchases following discussions from the previous day.
Art Jakarta features segments known for providing engaging perspectives on contemporary art. SPOT highlights special installations and large-scale works by Indonesian artists exploring various themes across different mediums, including Ardi Gunawan (ISA Art Gallery), Ipeh Nur (ara contemporary), Endry Pragusta (Rachel Gallery), Aditya Novali (ROH), and Adi Gunawan (SANKHARA Art). Meanwhile, SCENE serves as a platform for artist groups and collectives to raise funds and present innovative projects, energizing this year’s art week with 33 participants from cities across Indonesia who showcase vibrant and diverse art practices beyond the capital.
AJX, committed to collaborating with various institutions and private companies, presents three key programs. One of these is Korea Focus, which highlights some of the most promising voices in the South Korean contemporary art scene by featuring 12 galleries in partnership with the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korea Arts Management Service.
Another program is MTN (National Talent Management) Fine Arts, a national strategic initiative focused on nurturing Indonesian talent. MTN Seni Budaya showcases works by Indonesian artists Dzikra Afifah, Iwan Yusuf, Mariam Sofrina, Natasha Tontey, Syaiful Garibaldi, and Uji Hahan Handoko, curated by Agung Hujatnika under the theme “Arus Baru” (“Rising Current”), which highlights creativity, innovation, and dedication to cultural development.
Natta-Cita Art Space (NCAS) from ISI Bali, showcasing contemporary Balinese art during this art week, highlights the rich diversity of Indonesian art. AJ Talk, a platform for dialogue among observers, artists, collectors, galleries, and curators, offers the public a chance to learn about current developments in the art scene. This year, AJ Talk features book launches and presentations from Jogja Art+Books, Gang Kabel Publisher, MTN Seni Budaya, BCA, SUPERMUSIC, Krack! Printmaking, and more.
Art Jakarta Papers 2026, scheduled for February 6 to 8, 2026, was introduced at this year’s Art Jakarta by featuring EDISII, DEVFTO Printmaking Institute, The Leonardi, Irfan Hendrian, and Krack!. It will invite visitors to explore a wide range of artistic expressions on paper, including drawings, printmaking, sculpture, and installations. This new art week concept aims to develop a market for paper-based contemporary art in Indonesia. Art Jakarta 2025 remains a dynamic platform for the Indonesian and regional art scene, connecting galleries, artists, collectors, observers, and art enthusiasts, offering a broad view of the latest contemporary art trends while nurturing its vibrancy.
