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JAF 2025 Officially Opens at Blok M Hub: Reimagining Space

JAF 2025 Officially Opens at Blok M Hub: Reimagining Space

Oktober, 22 2025

Jakarta Architecture Festival (JAF) 2025 

The Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI) Jakarta has officially opened the Jakarta Architecture Festival (JAF) 2025 at Blok M Hub, South Jakarta. Carrying the theme “Reimagining Space”, this year’s festival invites the public to rediscover and reinterpret Jakarta’s urban spaces — especially the Blok M area — as vibrant, inclusive, and meaningful environments for all.
 
For many Jakartans, Blok M is more than just a commercial hub — it’s a place filled with memories and urban nostalgia. Through JAF 2025, IAI Jakarta brings new life to this iconic area, transforming it into a lively festival ground that celebrates architecture, creativity, and the collective spirit of city living.

JAF Exhibitions 2025 

Reimagining Space: Breathing Life into Forgotten Corners
 
According to IAI Jakarta Chairman Teguh Aryanto, the theme “Reimagining Space” is a call to revisit and reinterpret underused parts of the city. “Every alley, empty plot, and old building holds potential to be reimagined as an inclusive and sustainable public space,” Teguh said during the opening ceremony at Blok M Hub.
 
JAF 2025 goes beyond architectural design — it explores how architects can shape urban policy and public engagement. Running from October 16 to 26, 2025, the festival features a diverse lineup of exhibitions, talks, city tours, workshops, and competitions, making architecture accessible and exciting for everyone.

A Vibrant, Colorful Transformation of Blok M Hub by Arkansyah Farras Setiawan “Betawi Mosaic”

The interior transformation of Blok M Hub has become one of the festival’s visual highlights. The central hall descending into the lower level has been redesigned with a striking palette of bold colors and geometric patterns, a creative collaboration with Dulux Indonesia. The colorful space radiates an energetic, contemporary atmosphere while evoking nostalgia for Blok M’s cultural past — quickly becoming one of the most photographed spots at the festival.

BlueScope Indonesia Installation Collab with Ar. M. Hikmat Subarkah, IAI & Ar. Sigit Kusumawijaya, IAI.

Adding to the visual appeal, BlueScope Indonesia presents a steel-structured exhibition booth, showcasing the versatility of metal in modern architecture. The booth’s futuristic form and reflective surfaces make it a key photo and interaction point for visitors, blending material innovation with aesthetic playfulness.

Programs, Competitions, and Visionary Exhibitions for All

JAF 2025 offers a rich schedule of activities designed to engage architects, students, and the wider public, including:
  • Architecture & Design Exhibitions — Showcasing works by IAI Jakarta members, IAI Jakarta Awards winners, and community-based installations.
  • Digital Imaging Competition: “Visioning Blok M”, inviting participants to visualize the future of Blok M as a sustainable, human-centered district.
  • Architectural Design Competitions, including TITIK (urban housing concepts) and a Public Toilet Design Competition for Blok M — in collaboration with the Indonesian Toilet Foundation, inspired by Tokyo Toilet, promoting the idea of clean and dignified public facilities.
  • Community Gatherings & City Tours, such as Gowes Heritage, A(RUN)chitecture, and Walking Trip “SanaKenalKota”, highlighting Jakarta’s heritage and green urban spaces.
  • Heritage & Sketch Day, where the Urban Sketcher and Heritage & Sketch communities capture Blok M’s charm through live sketching.
  • International Conference “Cities for All” at Menara Astra, featuring world-renowned speakers such as Vinu Daniel (Wallmakers, India) and Takamori Yamazaki (Nikken Sekkei, Japan).
  • Book Discussions, including Sana Kenal Kota by Abimantra Pradhana, Omah Tanah by Budi Pradono, and Liturgical Guide for Catholic Church Planning by Dinar Ari Wijayanti.

Panel: Sudirman Mute Park and Hub by Cowema Studio Arsitektur

Also enlivening the exhibition is Cowema Studio, which is showcasing its visionary project, “Sudirman Mute Park and Hub”. This project was a Top 5 finalist entry in the 2019 design competition for public space infrastructure in the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout area, with the winners announced in 2022. 

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Presentasi Sayembara Bundaran HI 2019 Cowema Studio Arsitektur

In collaboration with PT Arthademo Engineering Consultant, Pancatriputra, and Larch Studio, Cowema Studio proposed a concept to transform the connecting area between the Bundaran HI and Tanah Abang TODs into a vibrant “third space”. The design champions a sustainable green economy, creating an inclusive public hub where people can learn, discuss, create, and recreate. For the studio, this participation is a reflection of a deeper commitment: “For us, taking part in the nation’s development is a source of pride, confident in contributing to the rapidly growing development of Indonesian architecture.”

Architecture for Everyone

One of JAF 2025’s most inclusive programs is the Design Consultation Desk for low-income citizens, supported by the Jakarta government agencies (DPMPTSP and DCKTRP). This initiative embodies the festival’s core message: architecture belongs to everyone.
 
By opening direct dialogue between professionals and the public, the festival bridges design expertise with real community needs — ensuring architecture serves as a tool for social empowerment.

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