Female Architects Reach 5,500, Key to Indonesia's Architectural Future
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The architectural scene in Indonesia is becoming increasingly dynamic. This is not only marked by the number of architectural works but also by the growth in female architects.
Out of around 27,000 members of the Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI), 5,500 are women.
This 20% proportion paints a picture of a professional space that continues to grow to achieve fuller inclusivity.
The growth in the number of female architects in Indonesia is seen as a manifestation of cultural change within the creative industry ecosystem.
“In this year’s event, we are encouraging inclusive collaboration. I see the synthesis theme reflecting the way women work. In the architecture community, women are becoming more vocal and visible. This is real progress that continues to happen,” said Afwina.
The presence of these female architects brings a distinctive way of working: collaborative, integrative, and emphasising harmony.
This spirit also underpins the ARCH:ID 2026 event at ICE BSD City from 24 to 26 April 2026.
Carrying the theme “Synthesis Scheme: Collaborative Architecture Integration”, this exhibition stresses that buildings are an ecology where knowledge flows across disciplines without rigid barriers.
One of the installations that stole the spotlight at the ARCH:ID 2026 preview is “Paviliun Cahya”. This project is special because all the collaborators involved are women.
Commercial Director of in-Lite LED, Fransiska Darmawan, revealed that the work is a tribute to the thoughts of Raden Ajeng Kartini.
Fransiska views light as a medium that connects space with human perception, a transition process from absence to tangible presence.
“We encourage women’s involvement because diversity of perspectives can enrich the creative process and bring more inclusive and humanistic design approaches,” said Fransiska.
In line with this vision, architect and artist Jessica Soekidi, who designed the pavilion, draws on the roots of Nusantara architecture.