Biennale Jogja Foundation Ceases Operations After 16 Years

The Biennale Jogja Foundation, which has been responsible for organizing the Biennale Jogja for 16 years, has declared that it will cease its operations. Since 2011, the foundation has conducted 8 editions of the Biennale Jogja, along with the Khtaulistiwa Symposium and Asana Bina Seni, a program aimed at developing artists and curators. In their announcement, representatives stated, "Considering the current political climate in Indonesia, we have decided to REST. With a regime that neglects cultural identities amidst turbulent economic and political conditions, rising censorship, and violence against activists, we feel compelled to pause. This is not an escape from challenges, but a reclaiming of the freedom necessary for grassroots solidarity." This closure follows the recent Biennale Jogja 18, which ArtReview covered, marking the end of a vital contemporary art platform in Indonesia.