Preserving the Works of Indonesian Artists, BCA UMKM Fest Collaborates with Museum of Toys at ASHTA District 8

Jakarta, 4 May 2021 – As a form of support for local artists and MSMEs, PT Bank Central Asia Tbk. (BCA) collaborates with Museum of Toys (MOT), bringing more than 60 Indonesian artists to exclusively sell their products at the BCA UMKM Fest until 8 Mei 2021 and exhibit their works at Astha District 8 at the “Exhibition the Habbit – Where Namue Lives” until 13 June 2021.

Art toys are the expressions of a three-dimensional art that are becoming increasingly popular, including in Indonesia. Creators make their crafts using platform toys, a blank white vinyl from which simple forms will be created. Platform toys become a 3D canvas for artists, professional and amateur alike, to use colors and patterns to create unique art works.

This time, MoT and Precious Junkz chose orang utan as Indonesian Icon, which then named ‘Namue’. Turns out Namue has many fans. When it was first launched, Namue, an Indonesian pride product, was quickly sold out in just a few hours, snagged by buyers from overseas, including the US and China.

MoT hopes that the exhibition could be an opportunity for Indonesian artists to sell their works amid the pandemic. “We hope that the initiative can allow for Indonesian artists to create and show their crafts to national and international audience. Because the Covid-19 pandemic has affected our local artists’ creative journey,” said the Founder of Museum of Toys (MoT) Win Satrya.

Similarly, EVP of Transaction Banking Businesses Development of BCA I Ketut Alam Wangsawijaya expressed his support for the revival of MSMEs and Indonesian artists. “BCA as part of the national financial system continues to provide added value to the community, especially to the MSME players. The BCA UMKM Fest is an impetus for MSMEs to showcase their products to broader audience.”

The BCA UMKM Fest is a virtual exhibition followed by thousands of local MSMEs, showcasing more than 18,000 signature products. The BCA UMKM Fest was held from 16 April until 8 May 2021 on umkmfest.bca.co.id. The collaboration of BCA UMKM Fest and MoT is in line with BCA program, Bangga Lokal, and the national movement – Proud of Indonesian Goods, initiated by the government of Indonesia.

At the BCA UMKM Fest, visitors can get an exclusive opportunity to purchase the exhibits, including the plain Namue that can be decorated and turned into your special creation at home. BCA offers discounts of up to 20% for Namue purchases using BCA credit and debit cards. By purchasing Namue, art toys lovers are also supporting the orangutan conservation efforts in Indonesia, as part of the proceeds will go into the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF).

Meanwhile, Zico Rossano Hansakarya, Senior Marketing Communication Manager of Ashta said, "Ashta at District 8 is profoundly proud to be the host of The Habitat: Namue the Orangutan Exhibition. The event offers a new perspective in promoting awareness about the conservation of orangutans through local artists."

At The Habitat, the art toys are displayed on a 15-meter-long stage. The MoT calls for the visitors to embark on an exploration through the natural habitat of orangutans. Celebrated artists involved in the event are, among others, graffiti artist Eric Noah and Indonesian artist Rizal Hasan.

The journey of MoT started as the first art toys museum in Indonesia, showcasing more than 15,000 collection of designer toys from top local and international toy designers. The collection was gathered over the course of 15 years, with the aim of inspiring Indonesian creators to be creative.

In its journey, MoT has become a catalyst for artists and Indonesian art works, especially art toys, to gain international recognition. “Indonesian artists possess remarkable skills and creativity. With the right opportunities and support, they can produce better works compared to those of international artists,” said Win.

Collaboration of BCA and Museum of Toys (MoT) – This time, MoT and Precious Junkz chose orangutan as Indonesian Icon named Namue. The modified vinyl figurines by Indonesian artists are sold exclusively at the BCA UMKM Fest until 8 May 2021 and will be exhibited at Ashta District 8 until 13 June 2021. By purchasing Namue, art toys lovers are also supporting the orangutan conservation efforts in Indonesia.