Forget everything you thought you knew about international diplomacy. On May 28, 2025, a seemingly quiet visit by France's Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, to a centuries-old traditional Kudus House in Jakarta sent ripples through the global creative scene. What looked like a historical homage was, in fact, a sneak peek into a groundbreaking collaboration set to revolutionize the fashion world and beyond, proving that the future of creativity is built on ancient foundations.

This wasn't just another diplomatic handshake. This was a carefully orchestrated cultural immersion, celebrating 75 years of Indonesian-French relations by shining a spotlight on PINTU Incubator. Launched in 2022, PINTU is more than just a program; it's a bridge, connecting aspiring young fashion designers from Indonesia and France with the industry's titans. Imagine getting personalized mentorship, invaluable cultural exchanges, and real-world professional experience – that's PINTU in a nutshell.

Since its inception, PINTU has seen an astonishing 10,000+ applications, meticulously selecting 51 rising stars and empowering them with the wisdom of 86 expert mentors, a third of whom hail from the fashion capital of France. And in 2025, they upped the ante with their first-ever Residency program, pushing the boundaries of creative collaboration.

The event at Bentara Budaya, a living testament to Indonesia's rich architectural heritage, unfolded like a curated experience. It started with an exclusive video showcasing PINTU's incredible journey, followed by intimate introductions to three of the program's most promising designers. But the surprises didn't stop there. A breathtaking presentation of "Ode to Indonesian Culture," a book celebrating Indonesia's living cultural legends, and a mesmerizing display of Batik art by grandmasters Dudung Aliesjahbana and Cahyo captivated the audience.

The true showstopper, however, was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PINTU Incubator and École Duperré Paris, one of France's most prestigious fashion and art institutions. This isn't just a piece of paper; it's a direct pathway for young Indonesian and French designers to access world-class education, participate in international residencies, and launch groundbreaking creative projects. The excitement in the air was palpable as Thresia Mareta, Co-founder of PINTU Incubator, and Alain Soreil, Director of École Supérieure des Arts Appliqués Duperré, sealed the deal, witnessed by Minister Dati and Soegianto Nagaria, Chairman of JF3.

The evening culminated in a mesmerizing Gamelan performance by the Kompas team, a poignant nod to the traditional Indonesian music that once inspired even the legendary French composer, Claude Debussy. The room was filled with cultural luminaries, including veteran Indonesian artists and directors Slamet Rahardjo and Jajang C. Noer, and renowned composer Addie M.S., all bearing witness to this historic moment.

"This program isn't just cultural diplomacy—it's about how we grow together," shared Thresia Mareta, her words resonating with passion. "Through PINTU, Indonesia and France are not only preserving cultural heritage but also shaping a new generation of creators rooted in culture, dialogue, and mutual respect."

As Indonesia and France mark 75 years of enduring friendship, the PINTU Incubator stands as a vibrant testament to the power of bilateral cooperation. It's a living, breathing example of how nurturing creative minds across borders can ignite cultural innovation and sculpt the future of the creative industries.