Rich Natural Resources in the Visual Identity of Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment by Dassein Design Bureau

Designer: Dassein Design Bureau 
Scope: Visual Identity
Client: Ministry of Environment, Republic of Indonesia

In early November, the Ministry of Environment / Environmental Management Agency of the Republic of Indonesia unveiled its official logo, formalized under Decree No. 27 of 2024 on the Ministry's Visual Identity. Bandung-based design studio Dassein Design Bureau was entrusted with crafting the logo and visual identity system for this newly established ministry in the latest government cabinet. Through this logo, Dassein celebrates the abundant natural wealth of the Indonesian archipelago while embedding a profound message about humanity’s responsibility to protect the environment around us.

Discussing the creative process behind the logo, Shani Nur, Studio Principal at Dassein Design Bureau, highlighted that the Ministry of Environment was inaugurated during the administration of President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran. “This ministry was built with a fresh identity. Early on, we received a brief from the Indonesian Graphic Designers Association (ADGI) emphasizing the values to be conveyed. The Ministry envisions a future powered by sustainable energy,” Shani explained. He elaborated that the Ministry focuses on managing government affairs in sustainable environmental development and natural resource management, aiming to enhance public welfare. To support this mission, as part of the broader Asta Cita vision for green and blue economic development, the Ministry required a strong institutional presence capable of conveying its integrity and vision to the public. Adding to Shani's insights, Aditya Krisna, Graphic Designer at Dassein, shared that the design team sought to communicate humanity’s role in environmental stewardship through visual identity. “In this interconnected world, humans wield significant influence over their surroundings. Recognizing this responsibility, we aimed to foster a message of safeguarding nature and giving back to it,” said Aditya.

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“Sustainable Benefit” emerged as the guiding principle for visual identity design. This core value was distilled into three keywords: “growth,” “spreading,” and “connection.” “‘Growth’ reflects how the Ministry aspires to evolve with positive energy. ‘Spreading’ signifies a strong foundation, and ‘Connection’ emphasizes the Ministry’s bond with communities and society,” Aditya elaborated.   These values are also represented in the Kalpataru (Tree of Life), symbolizing the harmony of nature. Dassein fused the principles of Kalpataru with sustainability to form the “soul” of the visual identity. 

Through extensive research, the team identified Kalpataru as a symbol of ecological harmony. Given Indonesia's vast natural richness, they sought forms reflecting this diversity. “Circular patterns frequently appear in tropical environments, even at the smallest scales. We wanted to respond to these recurring shapes,” Aditya explained.  Early explorations for the Ministry’s logo yielded diverse results, refined through critical feedback and stakeholder input. Anchored in the Ministry’s values and vision—spanning land, sea, flora, and humanity’s nurturing role—Dassein adapted the diverse forms of Indonesia’s natural assets, highlighting their ecological and economic significance.  Key elements like seagrass, sprouts and roots, solar rays, and human hands became central inspirations. These components embody the Ministry’s five core values, the eight branches of Asta Cita, and the sustaining energy of the sun. “The logo carries dual energies: sustainability and growth, rooted in Kalpataru’s philosophy. We narrate this as ‘New Sprouts, Kalpataru Roots.’ While firmly grounded in tradition, it signifies our adaptability to change,” Aditya explained.  

Another crucial aspect of the visual identity is its use of colors inspired by Indonesia’s natural wealth. Shades like vibrant orange, emerald green, ocean blue, and coral reflect the Ministry’s focus on the nation’s ecosystems. Beyond colors, biomorphic graphic elements with free-flowing, patterned curves represent Indonesia’s natural landscape. “These elements incorporate the Ministry’s five core values: growth, sustainability, stewardship, innovation, and collaboration,” Aditya added.  To ensure a humanistic and organic feel, the team employed gradient techniques, making the graphics approachable, natural, and timeless.

The Ministry’s visual identity, crafted by Dassein Design Bureau, skillfully encapsulates Indonesia’s diverse natural resources, presenting a clear vision and purpose. Departing from the conventional tree motifs of previous Ministry logos, this design draws inspiration from the natural forms found across Indonesia, resulting in a dynamic and progressive logo. Despite incorporating diverse elements, the identity feels familiar and accessible to the public, bridging the gap between the institution and its constituents. The graphic elements—visible in the logo and its extensions—further emphasize humanity’s nurturing role, with shapes resembling hands in a gesture of care.  Dassein achieved harmonious color palettes reflective of Indonesia’s natural wealth, balancing elegance and warmth without overdoing it. The result is an identity that resonates as approachable and genuine.  

This project marked Dassein Design Bureau’s first collaboration with a government ministry. Despite challenges such as tight timelines, multiple revisions, and endless explorations, the studio successfully communicated the Ministry’s vision. The resulting identity is meaningful, impactful, and easily recognizable—a visual emblem of a ministry that reflects the promise of a sustainable future.

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About the Author

Alessandra Langit

Alessandra Langit is a writer with seven years of diverse media experience. She loves exploring the quirks of girlhood through her visual art and reposting Kafka’s diary entries at night.

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