Governor of Jakarta: Art Brings a Message of Peace

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Governor of Jakarta, Pramono Anung, opened the SBY Art Community 2026 Painting Exhibition at the Small Theater, Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The exhibition, themed “Art for Peace and a Better Future: Collaboration,” brings together artists, creative communities, and artistic ideas from Indonesia and Germany.

He said that the collaboration between SBY Art Community and Kornfeld Galerie Berlin, which is being held again in Jakarta, is an important part of building a city that is open to the exchange of ideas, creativity, and culture.

“For me, painting holds a special place. Painting is not only about beauty, but also about the ideas and messages that artists seek to convey. Through the canvas, colors, and brushstrokes, we can capture both a vision and a hope for a better and more peaceful world,” he said, as quoted from Jakarta.go.id.

The exhibition, which runs through August 30, features works by German artist Christopher Lehmpfuhl, as well as Indonesian artists Catur Nugroho, Cia Syamsiar, and several others.

According to the Governor, the works enrich the space for appreciating art while also introducing the public to diverse perspectives on nature, culture, and humanity.

He also expressed his admiration for the artwork of Indonesia’s sixth President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). He said he currently owns three paintings by SBY and hopes to add to his collection.

“When I visited his residence when I was running for Governor, we spent much of our time discussing paintings. That was the first time I saw his remarkable paintings in person,” he said.

In addition, Governor Pramono said that art and culture play an important role in shaping Jakarta’s character as a global city that remains rooted in its identity. The relationship between Jakarta and Berlin as sister cities is one manifestation of this cultural exchange.

He said the Jakarta Provincial Government would continue to provide opportunities for artists, cultural practitioners, communities, and the international community to meet and collaborate. These efforts include revitalizing cultural spaces at TIM and strengthening the ecosystem of galleries, art communities, festivals, and other cultural activities.

“Hopefully, this meeting of art and culture through this collaboration will further strengthen the friendship between Jakarta and Berlin, expand cultural exchange, and bring works of art and messages of peace from Jakarta to the world,” he said.

Governor Pramono expressed hope that the exhibition would serve as a platform for artists to continue developing their work, expand their cultural networks, and create works that gain recognition both nationally and internationally.