Did you know there is an incubation program that brings together young creatives from Indonesia and France, with a unique name—PINTU Incubator? Although its name is unusual, the program carries a big mission: to serve as a cultural bridge between the two countries through the worlds of fashion and design.
Now entering its fourth year, PINTU is increasingly solidifying its strategic role in the international creative scene. Let’s explore some fascinating facts behind this amazing program!
More Than Just an Ordinary Incubator
PINTU Incubator is not just a place for training or short workshops. Launched in 2022, this program was designed as a bilateral creative incubator connecting young designers from Indonesia and France within a cross-cultural ecosystem.
What do they do? Plenty! From a rigorous curation process, mentoring by industry professionals, cultural exchange, hands-on experience in the fashion industry, to opportunities to showcase work on international stages.
During its first three years, the program has attracted over 10,000 interested brands, selected 51 incubated participants, and involved 86 expert mentors—33 of whom come from France.
Recognition from the President of France
One of the most historic moments came from the French President himself, Emmanuel Macron. In his speech at Borobudur Temple on May 29, 2025, he specifically mentioned PINTU as a tangible example of cultural cooperation between the two nations worth developing further.
This was no mere diplomatic courtesy—it was a high recognition from a head of state of the creative collaboration potential between countries.
For Thresia Mareta, Co-initiator of PINTU and Founder of LAKON Indonesia, the moment was deeply meaningful. “When President Macron directly mentioned the PINTU program in his speech at Borobudur Temple, I realized it was not only recognition of our program but also a powerful symbol that culture, education, and creativity can unite two nations,” she said.
Collaboration with a Prestigious Fashion School in Paris
Speaking of collaboration, PINTU has also successfully established an official partnership with École Duperré Paris, one of France’s most renowned art and fashion institutions. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on May 28, 2025, at the Traditional House of Kudus, Bentara Budaya.
Interestingly, the event was witnessed by the French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, and JF3 Chairman Soegianto Nagaria. The signing itself was conducted by Thresia Mareta and Alain Soreil, Director of École Supérieure des Arts Appliqués Duperré. This is a significant step affirming the commitment of both countries to promote cross-cultural collaboration through the creative industries.
Introducing the Residency Program
In 2025, PINTU launched its latest innovation: the Residency Program. More than just training, it’s a creative and cultural journey. In this program, two young French designers will live in Indonesia for a full three months—not for vacation, but to truly immerse themselves in the process of creation.
What will they do? They’ll learn the art of batik in Java and explore traditional weaving techniques in Eastern Indonesia. This year, the selected participants are Kozue Sullerot and Priscille Berthaud.
Both will intern at LAKON Indonesia and collaborate to create a collection that blends French aesthetics with rich local culture. The resulting collection will be showcased at LAKON Store and at the prestigious international event, Premiere Classe Paris.
According to Thresia Mareta, “This Residency Program is our concrete step toward deepening cross-cultural collaboration. Through this program, the participants work directly with local artisans and engage in a shared creative process.”
A Part of JF3’s Long-Term Commitment
The PINTU Incubator is also supported by JF3 (Jakarta Fashion & Food Festival). JF3 Chairman Soegianto Nagaria explains that PINTU is an extension of JF3’s mission, which has supported the growth of Indonesia’s fashion industry for over two decades.
According to him, this incubator is not just about training young designers—it’s about fostering brands that are ready to compete on a global stage. “We don’t just celebrate creativity—we invest in it,” he asserted.
Fashion Festival Spotlight and International Collaboration
To close its annual cycle, PINTU has announced the six selected brands that will showcase their work at the JF3 Fashion Festival 2025: CLV, Dya Sejiwa, Lil Public, Nona Rona, Rizkya Batik, and Denim It Up.
These brands are the result of an intensive six-month incubation process and will take part in a collaborative runway show titled “Echoes of the Future by PINTU Incubator featuring École Duperré,” scheduled for July 27, 2025, at Summarecon Mall Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, Indonesia.
Not only will the show feature Indonesian designers, but it will also include three students from École Duperré Paris: Pierre Pinget, Bjorn Backes, and Mathilde Reneaux. Together, they will demonstrate how traditional Indonesian elements can harmonize with French innovation to create one stunning collection.
Summarecon’s 50-Year Milestone
Programs such as PINTU do not stand alone. They are part of a wider ecosystem that has been nurtured for years through the Jakarta Fashion & Food Festival (JF3), an initiative of Summarecon.
Since its launch in 2004, JF3 has provided a consistent platform for Indonesia’s fashion industry, supporting heritage preservation, encouraging young talent, and opening doors to international exposure.
In 2025, JF3 coincides with Summarecon’s 50th anniversary, giving this year’s festival an added layer of meaning. The moment highlights how initiatives like PINTU fit into a longer journey of fostering innovation and collaboration within the creative sector.
Rather than a standalone event, PINTU can be seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen the foundation of Indonesia’s fashion ecosystem and connect it with global networks.
