The talkshow “Design, Curate, Showcase: Navigating Indonesia’s Global Stage” brought together prominent names from the design industry, including Carl Constantin Press, Event Director of FIND Design Fair Asia Singapore; Diana Nazir, an Interior Designer and Founder of ICAD; and Eugenio Hendro, Product Designer at Eugenio Hendro Design Studio.
Talkshow “Design, Curate, Showcase: Navigating Indonesia’s Global Stage” brought together prominent names from the design industry, including Carl Constantin Press, Event Director of FIND Design Fair Asia Singapore; Diana Nazir, an Interior Designer and Founder of ICAD; and Eugenio Hendro, Product Designer at Eugenio Hendro Design Studio. The one-hour session was moderated by Stella Mailoa, who also serves as the Founding Editor of written.id.
Talkshow “Design, Curate, Showcase: Navigating Indonesia’s Global Stage” at Jakarta Future Festival 2025.
As the title suggests, the overarching theme of the discussion was Indonesian work on the global stage. More specifically, the sub-topics explored by each speaker ranged from the advantages and benefits of participating in international-scale trade shows, the criteria curators look for when selecting works to be showcased to prospective buyers outside Indonesia, and the preparations designers need to make thoroughly in advance.
Why Is FIND – Design Fair Asia 2025 Important for Indonesia?
FIND – Design Fair Asia 2025 in Singapore is Asia’s largest exhibition for design, furniture, and interiors. Just like last year, the event will take place at Marina Bay Sands. The large hall on the ground floor will bring together hundreds of brands from 18 countries, including the Indonesia Pavilion booth, which will represent Indonesian design and art.
Indonesia Pavilion’s participation in an event of this scale is about more than simply showcasing products. It is also an opportunity to expand networking, serve as a bridge for UMKM players, and gain a better understanding of Indonesia’s uniqueness through the eyes of international audiences.
Insights from a Trade Show Insider
Drawing from their respective backgrounds, the talkshow speakers shared insights that could benefit Indonesia.
Representing the trade show perspective, Carl presented a table outlining things that should and should not be done. There were plenty of insights to take away. His analogies were engaging too, including comparing the exhibition to a speed dating session. But the points he repeatedly highlighted were:
Know the market where the exhibition is taking place; study the city and its people.
Always follow up.
Think ahead and prepare your products thoroughly. His example was simple: if a prospective buyer wants to place a large export order, are you actually capable of fulfilling it?
After such a serious and in-depth discussion, he closed his presentation with a friendly reminder that design is also about creativity and enjoyment.
Insights from Indonesia Pavilion
Diana Nazir
Carl’s list of do’s and don’ts seemed to be picked up by Diana. As a representative of Indonesia Pavilion, she continued the presentation by explaining the theme of the booth for the upcoming exhibition. As Carl noted when discussing the importance of finding each country’s unique qualities, Indonesia naturally puts forward something that no other country possesses in quite the same way: natural resources.
Indonesia’s abundant natural wealth draws thousands of curious eyes—eyes eager to discover the uniqueness of its culture and landscapes. The colors of nature, from Sumba to Makassar, became the inspiration for Indonesia Pavilion in 2025, under the title Earth Society. The products on display are highly diverse, ranging from rattan furniture, ceramics, and textiles to homeware with modern and contemporary touches.
Diana also explained that she has her own “recipe” for curating the products to be exhibited. One of her approaches is to put herself in the position of a buyer. Her advice for prospective exhibitors is to conduct market research first. This can be done by visiting exhibitions in person and engaging designers in conversation.
Bicaralah dengan para desainer di sini. Banyak sekali desainer di Jakarta ini yang bisa diajak berdiskusi.
Insights from an Art Practitioner
Then we arrived at the final presentation, where Eugenio shared his experience as a designer who has frequently participated in large-scale exhibitions. He explained what it takes to stand out amid a “sea” of similar products and services.
“Research, research, research.”
Every product also represents an emotion. Find what makes it unique. For Eugenio, he found uniqueness in imperfection.
Understand that lifestyles will always change, much like trends. If you are not careful, anyone can get swept into the current of the times and lose touch with their culture as Indonesians.
Understand the products/services being exhibited or sold. Consider things such as brand position, what the service offers, and what can and cannot be done (for export).
Ready to Compete on the Global Stage
The talkshow “Design, Curate, Showcase: Navigating Indonesia’s Global Stage” at Jakarta Future Festival 2025 demonstrated that collaboration, market research, storytelling, and the courage to step into the spotlight are key to the success of Indonesian design in the international market. With thorough preparation, Indonesia Pavilion is ready to bring Indonesian creations to compete at FIND – Design Fair Asia 2025, while opening up broader opportunities for exports and collaboration.
Lea Azis at Jakarta Future Festival 2025
As Lea Azis, an interior designer and President of APSDA for the 2019–2022 period, also shared, “Indonesia cannot be underestimated when it comes to design. So, hopefully, going forward, Indonesia can offer products not only from its natural resources, but also incredible works created by people from all across Indonesia.”
A glimpse of the Design, Curate, Showcase talkshow at Jakarta Future Festival 2025.
So, develop your product concept thoroughly, create spaces for discussion, “jemput bola” (take the initiative and actively pursue opportunities), and make the most of major opportunities such as Indonesia Pavilion at FIND – Design Fair Asia 2025.
