The Art Of Ukir Jepara Becomes The Ministry Of Culture's Attention, Encourages Downstreaming Of Artworks

Menbud Fadli Zon (Doc. Kemenbud)

JAKARTA Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, emphasized the need for Jepara carvings to be upgraded to art when reviewing the Kayu Ukir Art Studio in Senenan, Jepara, Saturday (15/11). This visit also prepared the 2026 Tatah Exhibition at the National Gallery, which for the first time will present Jepara carvings as a work of fine arts, not just crafts.

"There are many orders from abroad. We want Jepara carvings not only crafts, but artwork," said Fadli Zon. He emphasized the importance of downstreaming so that the artistic value, curation, and public appreciation of Jepara carvings increased significantly.

The Minister of Culture emphasized that the 2026 Tatah Exhibition will be an important momentum for the ukir maestros. Many works are done for months to years, with strong artistic expressions. "The 2026 Tatah Pameran must be a forum for Jepara's work of art with strong curation," he said.

During the visit which was also attended by the Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly Lestari Moerdijat and the Regent of Jepara Witiarso Utomo, Fadli Zon also reviewed the Ukir Art Training for children aged 10'12 years. He called this training a strategic step for regeneration so that the Jepara elimination tradition remains in the hands of the new generation.

The Minister of Culture also had a dialogue with the mogul ukir who for decades developed the art of ukir Jepara and known to foreign countries. The full support of the Ministry of Culture, said Fadli, will focus on preserving, improving quality, and opening of art market access.

The 2026 Tatah Exhibition is expected to be an international storefront for Jepara carvings to emphasize its position as a work of Indonesian art that has high historical, artistic, and economic value.