Weekend Getaways in Jakarta: Exhibitions, Environmental Art to Sports Fever

Weekends in Jakarta aren't just a break from routine. Saturdays and Sundays become moments to calm the mind, fuel curiosity, and explore Jakarta's vibrant, storied, and energetic other face. Exhibitions, environmental art, and sports euphoria offer options for the capital's residents.

INACRAFT 2026

For those yearning for traditional craftsmanship, Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) hosts the International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT) 2026. 

Running for five days from February 4–8, 2026, INACRAFT reaffirms its position as Southeast Asia's largest craft exhibition.

Inside, MSME creations from across the archipelago converge in one space. 

Names like Desa Sejahtera Astra Krebet, Batik Giriloyo, Pagi Motley, Gerai Maheswari, and Dcraft Indonesia showcase diverse crafts—from hand-drawn batik, woodwork, natural-dye textiles, recycled fashion, to woven items and natural-material dolls. 

Ecophilia

For a more reflective weekend, Museum Bank Indonesia presents the temporary exhibition Ecophilia. 

With the theme "Protect Earth, Protect Generations," it invites visitors to reexamine humanity's relationship with nature through stories behind Rupiah banknotes.

This educational exhibition highlights Indonesian flora and fauna immortalized in currency designs while reminding of looming ecological crises. 

Open from 9:00 AM WIB with a Rp5,000 entry ticket, Ecophilia offers a light yet meaningful knowledge excursion.

Ghost Nets: Awakening the Drifting Giants

Meanwhile, North Jakarta offers a distinct visual experience at Museum Bahari. 

In Building A, the Art Exhibition Ghost Nets: Awakening the Drifting Giants blends art, ocean, and environmental issues into a powerful narrative. 

This installation by Australia's Erub Arts uses discarded fishing nets that typically pollute oceans.

A collaboration between Jakarta's Cultural Office and the Australian Embassy, it runs through August 2026 (Tuesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM WIB). 

Here, art becomes the language to discuss oceans and sustainability.

AFC Futsal Asian Cup Final

For sports enthusiasts, Jakarta's pulse peaks at Indonesia Arena. The AFC Futsal Asian Cup Final pits Indonesia against Iran on Saturday night at 7:00 PM WIB. 

This isn't just a match but a historic moment—Indonesia's first appearance in Asia's futsal championship final. 

A chance to make history opens wide if the Garuda can defeat Asian giants Iran before a home crowd.

Jakarta Full of Color

Weekend energy also spills into city open spaces. Jakarta's provincial government presents "Jakarta Full of Color," an arts and cultural event during Car-Free Day at Bundaran HI starting 6:00 AM WIB.

This free event features cultural stages from Jakarta, other Indonesian regions, and abroad. The public can join zumba, donate blood, shop at MSME corners, or enjoy traditional dance performances.

Hundreds of dancers from various studios will participate in a flashmob showcasing diversity—portraying Jakarta as a city thriving on pluralism.

From craft exhibitions to sports euphoria, from museums to the capital's streets, this weekend Jakarta offers more than mere entertainment.(ANTARA)