As Indonesia Design Week returns for its third edition, the event continues to grow not only in scale but also in confidence, participation and international reach. What began as a platform for celebrating creativity has evolved into a meeting point for designers, architects, industry professionals, academics, students and the wider public.
This year, Indonesia Design District (IDD) brings an especially significant addition to the programme: the SaloneSatellite Permanent Collection Exhibition, presented in Indonesia for the first time. In this conversation, Ipeng Widjojo, CEO of Indonesia Design District, discusses the event’s progress, the importance of collaboration and his hopes for Indonesia’s design industry.
This is the third edition of Indonesia Design Week. What progress have you seen?
One of the most significant developments is the growing involvement of our tenants. Having experienced Indonesia Design Week twice, they now understand the event’s vision and are more proactive in deciding how they can contribute.
This year, we are also presenting selected works from the SaloneSatellite Permanent Collection as a special feature by IDD. It brings a meaningful part of Milan’s design culture to Jakarta and broadens the experience for our visitors.
What inspired you to bring the SaloneSatellite Permanent Collection Exhibition to Indonesia?
The idea began during my visits to Salone del Mobile.Milano. SaloneSatellite was always one of the exhibition’s most exciting and crowded areas, attracting not only industry professionals but also institutions, academics, students and young creatives.
People came to discover, learn and find inspiration. The works are carefully selected from thousands of submissions, so every piece reflects exceptional creativity and potential.
Bringing the collection to Indonesia initially felt like a dream. We approached the Salone team and asked whether it might be possible to present part of it here. We wanted Indonesian audiences, particularly those unable to visit Milan, to experience the same spirit of discovery.
Why did you choose The Collective Culture as this year’s theme?
We developed the theme before receiving confirmation of the SaloneSatellite exhibition, yet the two complement each other naturally.
After two editions, we began considering the next stage of Indonesia Design Week. We realised that the future of design must be built through collaboration and that working collectively should become part of our culture.
A successful product requires many elements to come together: designers, artists, craftspeople, manufacturers and quality materials. Meaningful design is rarely created in isolation. SaloneSatellite reflects this spirit by bringing different talents, cultures and perspectives onto one shared platform.
How do you view Indonesia’s design industry today, and how can IDD support its growth?
Economic conditions are usually assessed through measurable outputs, such as the number of buildings constructed or products manufactured. Design is different because its value cannot be measured purely by volume.
During challenging economic periods, a client may complete a design today but postpone construction until later. The physical project may be delayed, yet the thinking, planning and creative work continue. This gives the design industry opportunities in both strong and difficult economic conditions.
IDD can support its growth by providing a place where different parts of the industry meet. Through exhibitions, discussions, installations and product launches, we can help designers and brands gain visibility, strengthen their networks and move towards greater international recognition.
What are your hopes for this year’s Indonesia Design Week?
I hope the event creates an inspiring and memorable experience for architects, interior and product designers, students, institutions and other creative professionals.
When people meet, exchange ideas and join discussions, fresh possibilities emerge. Indonesia Design Week has the energy of a festival, which can ignite enthusiasm and encourage people to think more boldly.
I also hope visitors enjoy what our tenants have prepared throughout the ten-day event, from installations and showroom transformations to special presentations and product launches. Most importantly, I hope they encounter something unexpected and leave feeling genuinely inspired.