TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The involvement of President Prabowo Subianto's son, Didit Hediprasetyo, in funding the Artjog art exhibition has sparked protests from various groups. Artists who criticized Artjog faced violence from security personnel and digital attacks. Beyond the demonstrations, the involvement of the Didit Hediprasetyo Foundation, an organization established by the designer, had repercussions, leading to the cancellation of collaborations with several partners and artist collectives.
Some of those who pulled out accused Didit's foundation of "artwashing," a practice of manipulating a political or corporate image through the medium of art. Others allege that the funding is part of a political co-optation of the arts. The sponsor's name briefly appeared as a strategic partner on promotional posters that circulated widely across social media.
Initially, the Artjog committee had scheduled Didit to officially open the event. However, the promotional poster vanished a day before the launch following intense public backlash. Didit canceled his attendance at the opening ceremony held at the Jogja National Museum on Friday, June 19, 2026.
Artjog Director Heri Pemad admitted that the Didit Hediprasetyo Foundation provided financial backing, though he noted the foundation is not the festival's sole benefactor. The communication team for the Didit Hediprasetyo Foundation, Boedi Basoeki, responded to Tempo’s interview request by sending written replies on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, after reviewing the questions with Didit.
How did the cooperation or involvement of the Didit Hediprasetyo Foundation (DHF) in Artjog 2026 begin?
We were recently contacted by the organizers to support the implementation of Artjog 2026.
What form of support did DHF provide?
DHF's involvement was limited to offering sponsorship support in the form of purchasing tickets for Artjog 2026, in accordance with the cooperation scheme proposed by the organizers.
What was the purpose?
We agreed to this support so that creative spaces like Artjog can continue to develop and reach a wider audience.
We have heard reports that Didit has invested in shares and is legally connected to the company organizing Artjog, PT Artjog Matra Nusantara. Is that true?
There is no ownership of shares in that company. The support provided falls entirely within a sponsorship framework and is completely unrelated to share ownership or any decision-making roles in Artjog's management by the founder of the Didit Hediprasetyo Foundation.
How much funding did DHF provide for Artjog?
As part of DHF's commitment to cultural and artistic development, the purchased Artjog tickets will be channeled to our partners and networks so that the works of these artists can be enjoyed by a broader public. As for the financial details of this support, we choose to respect the agreements and mechanisms applicable to the cooperation.
Did DHF impose any specific requirements on the Artjog team in exchange for this funding?
There were no special requirements imposed by DHF on Artjog. Our sole intention is to support the development of art and culture in Yogyakarta by expanding Artjog's reach through ticket marketing.
The appearance of Didit's name as an Artjog sponsor has ignited a massive public debate. What is your response?
We appreciate the diverse views expressed by the artists and the public. Criticism and differences of opinion are vital components of a healthy art ecosystem. We listen to this input with an open mind and hope this discourse can continue in a healthy and constructive manner.
The Artjog committee removed Didit's and DHF's names from the poster a day before the event opened. What is your take on this?
Out of respect for the varied views raised by several parties, we decided to remove the logo from Artjog's public promotional materials, without altering our commitment to support the event.
Some artists accuse DHF's involvement of being an attempt at artwashing. How do you respond?
DHF's involvement in Artjog stems from the foundation's focus on culture, education, and the creative industries. The support provided is purely intended to help organize the festival, sustain the art ecosystem, and respect creative freedom.
How do you answer allegations of political co-optation through this funding?
This cooperation was formed purely at the request of the Artjog organizers, who saw that we share a vision and concern for the arts and culture ecosystem. Our role is limited to financial support, without touching the curatorial realm; artist selection, exhibition narratives, and final presentation decisions remain entirely the responsibility of the curatorial team.
The backing of DHF stems from the intention to support artistic and cultural spaces, without intervening in the artistic integrity, curatorial direction, or independence of Artjog.
How would you define that independence?
We believe that supporting art also means protecting a space where ideas, creativity, and even dissent can thrive. We believe a healthy art ecosystem arises from collaboration and a spirit of mutual respect that honors the boundaries, roles, and independence of each party.
Read: Why Artjog 2026 Is Marred by Controversy, Protests
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