Yogyakarta Marks Milestone with Indonesia’s First Ecoprint Gallery

RRI.CO.ID, Yogyakarta - A new chapter in Indonesia’s creative economy has begun in Yogyakarta, where the country’s first dedicated ecoprint gallery officially opened its doors on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Located at Jalan Diponegoro No. 64, the AEPI Yogyakarta Ecoprint Gallery is more than a retail space, it is envisioned as a hub for sustainable fashion, crafts, home decor, and creative education.

The gallery serves as a premier showcase for the diverse creations of fifteen members of the Association of Indonesian Eco-Printers' Yogyakarta Chapter (AEPI DIY).

Visitors can explore a wide array of eco-fashion collections, artisanal crafts, and exclusive accessories such as bags, shoes, and hats, all created using environmentally friendly techniques.

Beyond retail, the space is designed as a hub for home decor and educational workshops, offering creative training sessions for schools, communities, and professional institutions.

Chairperson of AEPI DIY, Vipia Yanuachandra, shared that the gallery was born from a collective journey of hobbyists who fell in love with how nature tells stories through colors on fabric.

"This gallery is the realization of our dream to provide a professional market for the unique products handcrafted by our dedicated members," Vipia explained on the sidelines of the grand launching ceremony of the gallery on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

"Ecoprint is not just a product, but also a philosophy of respecting nature and utilizing resources wisely to create a strong local identity," she added.

The establishment of this gallery is also seen as a strategic move to help local artisans elevate their business standards through mutual support. AEPI DIY aims to make ecoprint products globally appealing while specifically encouraging the younger generation to embrace sustainable local fashion.

"We hope this gallery becomes a living space where people meet and learn, ultimately strengthening Yogyakarta's position as a sustainable cultural city," Vipia said.

In her address, co-founder and advisor of AEPI's central executive board, Fitriani Kuroda, highlighted the historical significance of the establishment as a primary icon for the nation's ecoprint movement. "This is likely the very first gallery in Indonesia to focus solely on the ecoprinter community," Fitriani said.

She invited the public to recognize the city's new specialty as a landmark of sustainable art. "If anyone wishes to find authentic ecoprint products, the Yogyakarta Ecoprint Gallery is now the definitive destination," she noted.

The initiative was specifically driven by the need for a centralized marketing hub to overcome previous distribution challenges faced by individual crafters. Aimma Jaya Isnariani, the event's organizing chairperson, explained that having a physical storefront is vital for the long-term survival of the artisans.

"We opened this gallery to give members a proper venue to create and market their work more effectively. We expect this location to become a top destination for those seeking high-quality souvenirs and sustainable fashion pieces," Aimma stated.

Head of the Yogyakarta Municipal Industry, Cooperatives, and SMEs Agency, Tri Karyadi Riyanto Raharjo - affectionately known as Totok - delivered an official message of support for the project. He conveyed Yogyakarta mayor’s vision, emphasizing that the opening marks a significant step forward for the region’s creative economy.

“This inauguration should be seen as a vital step in developing the creative economy while harnessing natural resources responsibly. The gallery stands as a symbol of our shared commitment to sustainable growth in Yogyakarta,” Totok concluded.

As the gallery begins its journey, it aims to inspire a broader appreciation for eco-friendly products while empowering local artisans through a sustainable economic ecosystem.

This new creative center stands ready to welcome the world, ensuring that Yogyakarta remains at the forefront of cultural innovation and environmental stewardship. ***