Photo: Koalisi Seni/Nur Bandi Asro
Jakarta, April 17, 2026 – Koalisi Seni launched its report “Moving on Bravely Through the Gloom: State of Artistic Freedom in Indonesia 2025” at Dialogue Kemang. The launch marks the fifth year Koalisi Seni has documented violations of artistic freedom in Indonesia since 2020. Over this period, the organization has also maintained a public complaint channel to gather direct reports from the public, alongside регуляр media monitoring.
The launch discussion was moderated by choreographer Ishvara Devati, featuring speakers Sugar Nadia, Sukatani, Justitia Avila Veda, and Ratri Ninditya.
The 2025 report highlights a worsening situation in Indonesia, marked by an increase in violations against artists, ranging from the cancellation of works and intimidation to acts of violence. A total of 66 cases were recorded—the highest number since monitoring began. This increase reflects not only improved monitoring methodologies but also a deteriorating environment for artistic expression.
“2025 has been a difficult year for all of us. We have witnessed various forms of arbitrariness that not only affect the broader public but also directly impact artistic spaces,” said Ratri Ninditya of Koalisi Seni.
Koalisi Seni identified several key patterns of violations throughout 2025. First, repression against critical artistic works continues, including intimidation of musicians, bans on symbols of expression, and the removal of public murals. Second, attacks on groups with minority gender identities and sexual orientations have increased, including the dissolution of art events and bans on performances. Third, the lack of safety in artistic spaces remains a concern, with incidents of violence at art events—even resulting in fatalities.
“The number of cases in 2025 is the highest since 2010. This shows that the situation is far from okay—we may no longer be on the edge, but already walking within the darkness itself,” Ratri added.
The report also highlights the growing practice of self-censorship among artists. Fear of political risks and censorship pressures artists and organizers to limit their own expression even before external intervention occurs.
During the discussion, speakers emphasized that pressure on artistic freedom does not always come in the form of direct censorship, but also through more subtle, internalized mechanisms.
“The comfort zone formed by repression makes us unconsciously hold ourselves back. We become accustomed to not being too critical,” said Sugar Nadia.
On the other hand, the discussion also underscored the lack of protection for art workers, particularly in the context of gender-based violence and power relations within production spaces.
“We cannot only respond after cases occur—we must build an ecosystem that prevents them from happening in the first place,” explained Justitia Avila Veda.
Beyond mapping the situation, the discussion stressed the importance of collective action in responding to increasingly complex challenges, as well as the need to create truly safe and inclusive artistic spaces for all. This perspective was also echoed by Sukatani’s representative, who highlighted vulnerabilities across roles within the arts ecosystem.
“We are all in vulnerable positions, regardless of our roles in the arts ecosystem. That is why it is important to stay connected and share information on advocacy, mitigation, and safety,” the representative noted.
Through this report, Koalisi Seni calls on various stakeholders—including the government, artists, and event organizers—to strengthen protections for artistic freedom. This includes creating safe artistic spaces, establishing clear protection mechanisms, and expanding public participation in monitoring violations.
The full report “Moving on Bravely Through the Gloom: State of Artistic Freedom in Indonesia 2025” is available through Koalisi Seni’s official channels and is expected to serve as a reference for policy advocacy efforts and the strengthening of Indonesia’s arts ecosystem.
Written by: Margaret Megan
