Running from August 5 to 12 at Taman Ismail Marzuki, the festival features a range of performances and exhibitions, all free and open to the public.
"In the context of the Djakarta International Platform, we are promoting the city — so it indeed has a political interest in the arts," DKJ Chairman Bambang Prihadi said after the festival’s opening in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He explained that DITP is designed to provide a platform for emerging artists to grow through inspiring and sustainable works.
The festival also includes artists from neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Organizers hope the event will not only elevate Jakarta’s cultural reputation but also contribute to the local economy through increased international tourism.
Prihadi noted that DITP supports the government's four cultural pillars: fostering, developing, protecting, and utilizing culture.
"The benefit comes from utilization. In the end, the city gets branding, and the community prospers. Almost every festival generates economic activity, and it must be continuously supported. We can measure the festival’s impact by how many people stay at nearby hotels," he explained.
The event is also intended to boost Jakarta’s appeal as a tourist destination.
On Tuesday night, the festival opened with a performance titled "Plunge", written by Singaporean playwright Jean Tay.
Set during the critical year of 1998, "Plunge" — performed by Teater Tetas — reflects on Indonesia's reform era, reopening old wounds while creating space for dialogue and reflection to help prevent such events from recurring.
The contemporary piece explores themes of city history and human conscience. Directed by Harris Syaus, it stars Briggitta Cynthia, Jonathan Simorangkir, Elzan Aziz, Afrido Azizi, and Amagerald.
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Translator: Sinta Ambarwati, Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: Anton Santoso
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