ARTJOG 2025 officially opened on Friday, 20 June, at Jogja National Museum in Yogyakarta. Carrying the theme Motif: Amalan, this year’s edition marks the final chapter of a three-year curatorial trilogy that began in 2023.
Running until 31 August 2025, ARTJOG remains one of Indonesia’s largest and most anticipated annual contemporary art exhibitions, offering an open and inclusive platform where reflection, creativity, and public engagement converge.
From Opening Ceremony to Cultural Oration: A Stage for Shared Meaning
The opening day began with an exclusive exhibition preview for invited guests and media, followed by a formal ceremony attended by artists, cultural figures, art communities, government officials, and supporters from across sectors. The event opened with a special performance by Acapella Mataraman, followed by opening remarks from ARTJOG Director Heri Pemad and guest curator Hendro Wiyanto.
As the curator who shaped the trilogy’s narrative, Hendro emphasized that while the nature of “amalan” (acts of goodness) in art may not be visibly apparent, artists continually strive to generate shared meaning and social good through their work. “Art is not empty imagination,” he noted, “but an aesthetic conviction that informs real action and decisions.”
In his cultural address, renowned Indonesian filmmaker and thinker Garin Nugroho highlighted the importance of imagination in shaping human civilization. He warned that nations that do not support museums or galleries risk producing leaders who lack an understanding of space and time, ultimately leading to various forms of social breakdown.
Celebrating Young Artists and Expanding Public Participation
A key highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Young Artist Award (YAA) 2025 winners: Faelerie(Wonosobo), S. Urubingwaru (Kediri), and Veronica Liana (Surabaya). The award was selected by a jury composed of the ARTJOG curatorial team and renowned artist Eko Nugroho, based on thematic relevance, medium exploration, and conceptual originality.
Artist Sunaryo, founder of Selasar Sunaryo Art Space, closed the evening with a speech that underscored the role of festivals like ARTJOG not only as artistic celebrations but also as economic drivers and cultural catalysts. He emphasized the importance of civic involvement and government support in ensuring that art remains inclusive and accessible to all layers of society.
To honor his contribution to Indonesian art, Sunaryo was presented with the Pohon Hayat (“Tree of Life”), a symbolic token representing sustained creative practice. The ceremony concluded with a lively performance by Batavia Collective on the ARTJOG stage.
Programs, Access, and Ticket Information
As one of the main highlights in Yogyakarta’s annual “Lebaran Seni” (Art Festive Season), ARTJOG stands as the largest contemporary art exhibition in Indonesia, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
Throughout its 2025 edition, ARTJOG presents a wide range of signature public programs, including Exhibition Tour, Meet the Artist, performa•ARTJOG, ARTJOG Kids, book launches, Artcare Indonesia, Jogja Art Weeks, and Love🤟ARTJOG. New initiatives introduced this year include Special Project, Spotlight, and The Others Lab.
Tickets are available both online and on-site, priced at IDR 80,000 for adults and IDR 50,000 for children. Complete schedules and program details can be accessed through ARTJOG’s website at www.artjog.id and its official social media channels.
