Artists Protest Commercial Management of Taman Ismail Marzuki

A number of artists belonging to the Front Penggerak Seni Taman Ismail Marzuki held an action titled ‘Unjuk Rasa, Unjuk Karya’ (Protest, Present Art) at the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) complex in Jakarta on Saturday (25/7/2026). The action was a form of rejection against the management model of TIM, which is considered to overly prioritise commercial orientation, thereby potentially shifting the area’s primary function as a centre for artistic creation, development, appreciation, and cultural education. In addition to staging a protest, participants also presented works of art as part of conveying their aspirations to the area’s management. Through this action, the artists hope that the management of TIM will maintain the character of the area as a public space for arts and culture and a centre for community creative activities.