Paolo Pinto | Director of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA/ICE) Jakarta Office
Italian design has long been admired for its ability to bring together beauty, ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship. Yet its enduring influence extends far beyond the creation of remarkable objects and spaces. At its heart lies a culture of curiosity, experimentation and human connection—values that continue to inspire meaningful exchanges between Italy and Indonesia.
The Italian Trade Agency (ITA/ICE) in Jakarta is firmly committed to strengthening and expanding the strategic relationship between our two countries. Indonesia is a dynamic and rapidly growing market, where appreciation for high-quality manufacturing, architectural innovation and the distinctive excellence of Made in Italy is steadily increasing among architects, designers, creative professionals and discerning consumers.
Italy’s economic presence in Indonesia, however, goes beyond commerce alone. It is founded on lasting partnerships that connect Italy’s rich creative heritage and expertise with Indonesia’s remarkable industrial potential, cultural diversity and emerging design talent. Through this exchange, both countries are able to discover new opportunities, share knowledge and shape a more innovative and sustainable future together.
Internationally significant events such as Indonesia Design Week (IDW) 2026 represent an important milestone in this shared journey. Bringing the SaloneSatellite Permanent Collection from Salone del Mobile.Milano to Jakarta for the first time is both a privilege and a powerful symbol of this growing relationship. As an internationally recognised platform for designers under the age of 35, SaloneSatellite has helped introduce some of the most compelling creative voices of recent generations.
Its presence in Indonesia offers a rare opportunity to encounter the ideas, materials and experimentation that have shaped contemporary global design. More importantly, it creates a welcoming platform for dialogue between young international talents and Indonesia’s vibrant creative community. Such encounters encourage the exchange of perspectives while opening doors to new collaborations between designers, institutions and industries.
This landmark presentation is made possible through the collective efforts of Sistema Italia. ITA works in close and continuous synergy with the Embassy of Italy, led by Ambassador Roberto Colaminè, and the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC), directed by Michele Cavallaro. Together, we unite diplomacy, cultural promotion and economic support to advance the values celebrated through Italian Design Day 2026.
The success of these bilateral initiatives demonstrates that design is a shared language—one capable of crossing borders, bringing cultures closer and generating lasting cultural and economic value. It allows tradition to meet innovation and creative vision to become tangible opportunity.
As Director of ITA Jakarta, I reaffirm our full commitment, alongside the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute, to expanding bilateral trade and strengthening Italy’s leading presence in design, innovation and sustainable living in Indonesia. We look forward to continuing this distinguished partnership and to writing its next chapter together.