Indonesia Design Week (IDW) has emerged as a hallmark event in the nation’s design industry, celebrating the fusion of contemporary innovation and the country’s rich artistic heritage. At the heart of this annual event, held at the Indonesia Design District (IDD), is the visionary founder Ipeng Widjojo. With deep passion and determination, Ipeng has elevated the second installment of IDW to international acclaim. Indonesia Design sat down with the CEO of Indonesia Design District to hear his vision for the future of IDW.
Since its humble beginnings in 2024, Indonesia Design Week has grown into a premier platform for showcasing design excellence. Ipeng played an active role in both the conception and curation of the event. When asked about the significance of hosting Indonesia Design Week, he was quick to respond.
“Indonesia Design Week is the signature annual event for Indonesia Design District. It serves to activate and rejuvenate all the concept stores within the district,” he explained. “This aligns with our original vision for IDD, which is to be a place where everyone can explore various design styles, discover trends, and learn the dos and don’ts of design from multiple sources.”
Ipeng emphasised that the event’s purpose is to bring the entire district to life. “Indonesia Design Week enhances the activation of all our stores, creating a vibrant ecosystem.”
Expectations for the Event
When asked about his expectations for Indonesia Design Week, Ipeng paused thoughtfully. “Many international events took more than ten or fifteen years to gain global recognition,” he remarked. “In the near future, I hope IDW will attract international audiences, including speakers and visitors from abroad.”
He added, “This year, we are honoured to welcome Marva Griffin from Salone del Mobile and other prominent international design speakers. Also, we will also have Indonesia’s renowned designers collaborating with international brands to do interesting collaborations during the event. Their presence helps energise the scene and elevate our profile.”
What Sets IDW Apart
Whilst many design events take place entirely within enclosed halls, whether they are 5,000 or 15,000 sqm in size, Indonesia Design Week offers something different. “IDD spans 80,000 sqm of land, with 32,000 sqm of indoor space,” Ipeng explained. “This gives us a unique opportunity to create a festive experience that blends indoor and outdoor activities. Events held outside do not interfere with what happens inside. They support each other.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ten years ahead, Ipeng envisions the Indonesia Design District flourishing in more ways than one. “I hope the trees in IDD will be greener and provide more shade as the industry continues to evolve,” he said with a smile. “But the future of design cannot rely only on the Indonesia Design District. Design involves bringing together diverse elements from different countries. It must be a global collaboration.”
For Ipeng, design is rooted in learning and continuous improvement. And there is no better place to absorb such lessons than IDD itself. “You can find Italian stores here, French and German brands, and also Indonesian brands that showcase unique local styles. It is truly a melting pot,” he said enthusiastically.
“Ten years from now, I hope more people will come, see, and learn. With that, design will keep progressing to create something even better,” he concluded.
Welcoming Design Icons to Indonesia
Ipeng sees the visit of renowned design figures such as Marva Griffin, the powerhouse behind Salone del Mobile and founder of SaloneSatellite, as a milestone moment for Indonesia Design Week. “Their presence shows that global attention is shifting to IDW at IDD. I am confident they will be inspired by our local designers and will recognise the potential for Italian brands to enter the Indonesian market. This will create a two-way exchange.”
He also believes that these visits can open doors for Indonesian talents. “Some of our local designers may be spotted and invited to participate in SaloneSatellite. That would give them a chance to enter international markets,” he said.
With unwavering belief in the potential of Indonesian design, Ipeng’s vision is not only about showcasing creativity. It is also about building bridges, encouraging collaboration, and shaping a more inclusive future for the global design industry.