Artjog 2026 Management Apologises After Sponsorship Controversy Sparks Tensions

The Artjog 2026 festival was marked by unrest, allegedly triggered by the involvement of the Didit Hediprasetyo Foundation (DHF), a foundation owned by the son of President Prabowo Subianto, as one of the main sponsors of this year’s event. The opening of Artjog 2026 was tense, as a solo theatrical protest by Ayik was forcibly stopped by security personnel and the protester was detained at a guard post. Artjog management has spoken out regarding the reasons for selecting sponsors, the withdrawal of DHF’s identity, and allegations of repressive actions by security personnel against the demonstrator. Artjog 2026 Programme Director Gading Paksi expressed deep regret and apologised in person after meeting Ayik and their colleague, Nabila. ‘I apologise to both of them that this had to happen. Repression, including hitting, is not in our standards,’ Gading stated at JNM on Friday (19/6). ARTJOG management affirmed its commitment to freedom of expression and stated it had no intention of obstructing public aspirations. Gading requested time to conduct a thorough investigation and trace the chronology of the case. He also explained that Artjog relies heavily on sponsor support to sustain the festival each year. Artjog is not a corporate institution with large capital that can finance all activities independently. ‘Artjog is not from a corporation with strong enough capital to run every year,’ Gading clarified. Funding proposals are submitted to various potential parties. Gading stated that DHF’s position was the same as other sponsors, such as Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, Bank BRI, and Pertamina, which support the festival’s physical infrastructure needs like performance stages and exhibition spaces. The entire polemic and public response will serve as material for a total evaluation, particularly in determining the approach to prospective sponsors in the future. Artjog CEO Heri Pemad revealed that, as a mark of respect for public criticism, Artjog management has removed the Didit Hediprasetyo Foundation’s name from the official website and event backdrop. In addition to removing the foundation’s name, the plan for Didit Hediprasetyo to open Artjog was also cancelled. This decision was made on Thursday (18/6) after discussions with Didit. The opening role was subsequently filled by GKR Bendara, the youngest daughter of Sri Sultan HB X. Head of Curator ARTJOG 2026, Bambang ‘Toko’ Witjaksono, stressed that curatorial independence remains intact. No artists have withdrawn, as preparations have been underway since last year. ‘There is still plenty of art with critical and activist themes on display at ARTJOG 2026,’ Bambang concluded.