Press Print Party: Paving the Way for an Inclusive Publishing and Print Art Ecosystem
Press Print Party (PPP), a celebration of independent print publications, is set to take place from December 13 to 15 at The Brickhall Fatmawati City Center. This event is an initiative by the Yayasan Pustaka Seni Indonesia, a nonprofit socio-cultural organization dedicated to education, research, and promoting art and design through print media, journalism, and books. With Press Print Party, the foundation envisions creating a platform that supports creative communities and fosters the exchange of knowledge about all aspects of print culture. The initiative, spearheaded by seven prominent figures in the arts and independent publishing—Kamengski, Cipsi Studio, Graphic Handler, Petrikor Books, Binatang Press!, Feat Studio, and Double Happiness—aims to cultivate a sustainable ecosystem for independent publishing and print art today and into the future.
Independent publishing, characterized by diverse written works and print art, has long been a part of Indonesia’s subculture and, of course, a global phenomenon. Political and social upheavals have historically sparked the creation of works addressing various issues and purposes, such as driving underground movements or resisting oppressive regimes. In the 2010s, demand for printed works surged as topics and artistic expressions diversified, fueling interest in print art. This growth coincided with the rise of book festivals across Indonesia, encouraging independent publishers and graphic artists to explore a range of printing techniques, many of which have carved out their niche markets. However, independent print publications often operate in alternative spaces and lack the reach of mainstream bookstores. This year’s Press Print Party aims to fill this gap by becoming a hub for networking and community expansion among independent publishers and print artists.
Press Print Party adopts the theme “Openness” for its inaugural event. Speaking to Grafis Masa Kini, Daud Sihombing of Petrikor Books, one of PPP’s initiators, emphasized the spirit of inclusivity and openness within Indonesia’s print art and publishing communities. “Press Print Party aims to accommodate these needs, connect various stakeholders, and introduce them to broader networks,” he explained.
This inclusive approach is reflected not only in the event’s vision but also in its exhibitors and programs, which involve a wide array of roles within the publishing ecosystem, including editors, writers, designers, publishers, and graphic artists. Recently, Press Print Party announced its exhibitor lineup, featuring independent publishers, design studios, collectives, and individual projects spanning diverse creative disciplines. Among the event’s standout initiatives is the student grant program, an open call for individual students and collectives to showcase their printed works. “We’re also providing free tables for student grant participants, allowing them to present their work to the public more easily,” Daud added.
Press Print Party also offers a series of talks and workshops designed to share knowledge and expertise. For example, a workshop on the fundamentals of print practices provides participants with a detailed guide to producing and publishing their own printed works, covering everything from design to sales. Meanwhile, talk sessions will feature the organizers of notable print publication events like the Yogyakarta Art Book Fair and Bunga Zine Fest, offering insights into their behind-the-scenes processes. Ryan Makasutji of Double Happiness, another PPP initiator, highlighted a special children’s workshop, underscoring the event’s openness to all audiences.
Press Print Party seeks to address the challenges facing Indonesia’s independent publishing and print art ecosystem, particularly the need for decentralization. Cities like Jakarta and Bandung are often regarded as creative hubs, including for print publications. However, PPP aims to reach other cities and expand accessibility. Izhar Fathurrohim of Graphic Handler, one of PPP’s initiators, noted the struggles faced by print artists in cities like Cirebon, Purwokerto, and Tasikmalaya.
“In these cities, practitioners are still few and far between, and markets remain underdeveloped. We want to open access and help regional artists network and grow,” Izhar said. This commitment to inclusivity is evident in PPP’s exhibitor curation, which prioritizes potential and possibility across various Indonesian cities rather than focusing solely on major urban centers. Not bound to a single location, Press Print Party is designed to be held in multiple cities across Indonesia in the future, broadening its reach and fostering greater local engagement. To better understand the needs of practitioners and their challenges, Press Print Party will host a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on building an ideal ecosystem. “We want to hear from practitioners about how they distribute their works and what efforts can address these challenges,” Daud remarked.
This year’s Press Print Party promises to be a must-attend event for creatives, transcending the boundaries of publishing and print art. The gathering offers opportunities for collaboration and cross-disciplinary innovation, bringing together diverse ideas and talents. Under the theme of “Openness”, Press Print Party invites everyone to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of print art and its surrounding culture. Tickets are available for purchase here, and further details can be found on Instagram at @press.print.party.
