Jakarta Biennale 2026: KEBAL

Jakarta Biennale, held since 1974, returns for its 18th edition under the theme KEBAL ("immune" or "resilient"). The contemporary art event looks at how Jakarta's residents cope with rising property prices and the cost of living that push people to the city's margins, and connects those experiences with communities facing similar pressures elsewhere in the world.

The 2026 edition is organised by Majelis Jakarta, a coalition of Jakarta art collectives including Gudskul Ekosistem, Serrum, Kelas Pagi Indonesia, PannaFoto Institute, Atelir Ceremai and Komunitas Paseban. The main exhibition is at Gedung Trisno Soemardjo in Taman Ismail Marzuki, opening on 4 October with performances by Nia Gautama, Athonk and Artery Performa. The first week's programme includes curatorial tours, artist talks, public discussions and a recycled-art workshop.

From 7 October to 24 November, satellite programmes run in collective spaces across Jakarta and its surroundings, including Gudskul in Jagakarsa, Atelir Ceremai in Rawamangun, Taman Stasiun Manggarai, PannaFoto in Bekasi and the mangrove forest on Pulau Pramuka. The full agenda is on the official website.

Dates: the organiser's poster and homepage give 4–28 October for the main exhibition at TIM, while the organiser's own description gives 4 October–28 November; check the website before visiting late in the run. Opening hours and admission charges had not been published at the time of writing.

Taman Ismail Marzuki is on Jl. Cikini Raya in Menteng, a short walk from Cikini KRL station.