Art Jakarta fair defies weak market and recent social unrest with impressive turnout
The Art Jakarta fair in the Indonesian capital was unaffected by recent protests in the city, with 75 international galleries taking part
The Art Jakarta fair in early October was a testament to the resilience of the Indonesian art market, proceeding without a hitch despite a turbulent backdrop.
Yet, from October 3 to 5, the 15th edition of the fair was buzzing, with no sign of the political turmoil.
Overall attendees numbered 37,899, roughly the same number as the previous edition. This turnout was impressive amid weakening international market signals, which saw global art market sales decrease by 12 per cent in 2024, according to the latest Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report. Auction sales also declined in the first half of 2025.
Fair director Tom Tandio said that given the “time of uncertainty and economy”, the sales actually “went above expectations”. In addition, none of the 75 participating galleries – including 15 new international players, among them Esther Schipper, TKG+ and Kaikai Kiki Gallery – pulled out.
This was the first showing in Indonesia by Esther Schipper, which has galleries in Berlin, Paris, Seoul and New York. Earlier this year, in January, the gallery decided not to attend Southeast Asia’s biggest fair, Art SG.