Firman Ichsan: Trying To Embrace Jakarta

Appointed as the new Chief of The Jakarta Arts Council, Firman Ichsan has a big dream to revolutionize the art world in Jakarta.

It has not been long since Firman Ichsan was elected to become the Chairman of the Jakarta Arts Council 2009-2012. Along with the other elected members, he was inaugurated by the Governor of Jakarta, Mr. Fauzi Bowo in January 22, 2010. The man who was appointed to become the executive director of the Jakarta Bienalle XIII has many aspirations to promote the Jakarta Arts Council as well as art in general.

“Currently there is this demand, as well as need to run the Jakarta Arts Council with more professional and structured framework.” As it has been done to many governmental body, the Arts Council now must use the system called Peraturan Standar Akuntansi (Standard Accounting Procedure) 45. The system requires a regular report of the activities of the Arts Council with a clear structure.Working in a rigid structure such as this one according to Firman has its own difficulties. “The members of the council come from many different backgrounds.

Some are not use to work in such rigid regulations. The first challenge is to communicate this to my colleagues in the council.” The next challenge is to communicate to the art world the structural changes as well as the reform that the council must underwent.While from the outside world there is also the demand for the Arts Council to promote art in general.

“Bridging all these things becomes one of the most difficult task that we have to carry out,” said Firman. Firman is aware of the vast growth of the art world. Every area in Jakarta seemed to have its own art scene. Art galleries flourish everywhere. Along with these, other cultural centers are emerging, such as Salihara. In order to support the development of the art world he realized the importance to embrace all of them.

Another mission that he wished to accomplish is to make people in general love art as well as make it something inseparable from them. In order to do this, the art activities must adjust itself to the public who are used to being spoiled with many facilities such those in malls. The other big target is to place Jakarta in the international art scene. “We wish to make Jakarta Bienalle an international event. Currently we are looking at the possibilities.”

For a long time the Arts Council is inseparable with Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM). Talking about the subject matter, Firman said that the Arts Council encouraged the improvement of the infrastructure of the cultural center. Since it was opened by Jakarta’s Governor, Mr. Ali Sadikin in 1968, TIM have stayed pretty the same. This is one of the main reasons why the cultural center have a difficult time in adjusting itself to the vast growing art world. “This is why when the National Gallery is full, not many artist are interested to display their work here.”

Being the Chairman of The Jakarta Arts Council is not the only responsibility he has. He is also the vice chancellor of the Jakarta Arts Institute. In addition, Firman is famous for his work as a photographer as well as curator. “My top priority at the moment is to do my duties as chairman. And second as the vice chancellor of the Jakarta Arts Institute.”

For the time being he put aside his other activities. “Many people regret my decision. If I only think of myself, it is better for me to stay in photography. But I see this position as a form of trust that the public has bestow upon me. So, I intend to do this  responsibility as well as I can,” said Firman.