Protest at ARTJOG 2026 Forcibly Stopped
A solo theatrical protest against the organisation of the annual ARTJOG 2026 art exhibition at the Jogja National Museum (JNM) was forcibly stopped by event security personnel on Friday (19/6) evening.
The theatrical performance took place following the opening of ARTJOG 2026. A man dressed in black, wearing a ‘sebo’ mask, suddenly entered the main entrance area of the gallery. Under the ARTJOG logo, the man performed a theatrical monologue while scattering flowers, which piqued the curiosity of several visitors.
“Literature is dead, art is dead. An intellectual without the passion for rebellion is an extension of the state,” the man declared. He then produced spray paint. Security personnel stood guard nearby and reacted when three pink paint projectiles were thrown from the east, hitting the ARTJOG plaque on the wall.
After a brief moment of hesitation, security personnel swarmed the man and took him to a guard post for interrogation. It is alleged that officers used physical force against him. He was subsequently taken to a transit room to meet with the organisers and convey the purpose of his action.
After approximately 20 minutes, the man was released. He identified himself as Ayik and stated that his theatrical performance was an expression of his grievances. Ayik explained that his action was a protest against this year’s ARTJOG, which is sponsored, among others, by the Didit Hediprasetyo Foundation—a foundation owned by Didit Hediprasetyo, the only son of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
“It simply feels irrelevant to the current ARTJOG, especially with the presence of Didit and other sponsors behind it,” he said. He expressed disappointment that his protest was met with repressive actions by security.
This action was later revealed to be a collective movement by a group of artists calling themselves ‘ARTJOKES’. Agam Wispi, a representative of the group, stated that their action was purely a form of contemporary art. He argued that art should not be met with repression, especially since their intention was to criticise the organisation of ARTJOG, which should serve as a neutral space.
Regarding Didit’s involvement, the issue had already become a topic of discussion on social media. The organisers have since made several decisions. Bambang ‘Toko’ Witjaksono, Head Curator of ARTJOG 2026, stated that based on a mutual agreement, Didit, who was originally scheduled to open the event at JNM 2026, will no longer attend. He noted that the organisers respect the public’s refusal as a form of aspiration.
Bambang recalled that the confirmation regarding Didit’s cancellation was only finalised on Thursday (19/6). In his place, GKR Bendara, a member of the Yogyakarta Royal Family, will officially inaugurate ARTJOG 2026. Bambang claimed that Didit does not object to this cancellation, nor to the removal of the Didit Hediprasetyo Foundation’s name from the list of sponsors.
Bambang also ensured that neither Didit nor his foundation has interfered with the artists’ works, noting that many pieces containing criticism and activism are still on display. He confirmed that no artists have withdrawn from the exhibition due to the controversy, as preparations had been underway since last year.
The CEO of ARTJOG, Heri Pemad, expressed understanding regarding the commotion surrounding the event. He explained that the foundation’s focus is to support the art ecosystem based on shared visions. However, he acknowledged receiving significant feedback from various art practitioners regarding the sponsorship.