The awarding of the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters to Thresia Mareta by the French Ministry of Culture and the Launch of the Book Ode to Indonesian Culture

The Ministry of Culture of France awarded the title of Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres to Thresia Mareta for her dedication to preserving and promoting Indonesia's cultural heritage, as well as bringing Indonesian fashion to the international stage. The award was presented during a warm and friendly official ceremony, attended by the French Ambassador to Indonesia, Fabien Penone, along with high-ranking officials, industry figures, and other distinguished guests.

This honor is one of the highest recognitions given by the French government to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of art and culture, both nationally and internationally. It reflects global appreciation for Thresia Mareta’s continuous efforts to preserve tradition while embracing innovation to support the development of Indonesia’s cultural and fashion sectors.

LAKON Indonesia, The Starting Point of Dedication

This dedication began when Thresia Mareta founded LAKON Indonesia in 2018. It stemmed from her concern over the declining appreciation for artisans, traditional techniques, and cultural heritage. Through LAKON Indonesia, efforts were made to build a comprehensive ecosystem to support artisans, designers, and small business owners so they could remain relevant and thrive in the modern industrial era. Although LAKON Indonesia is relatively new in the national fashion industry, the team has been actively involved on the ground, working directly with artisans at various levels. This close collaboration has given them a deep understanding of the challenges and hardships faced by craftspeople and artisans.

With the growth of the fashion industry, we must ask ourselves: how do we ensure that our artisans' skills in creating handmade crafts such as batik, weaving, embroidery, and more are not only preserved but also remain relevant, gain global recognition, and generate economic opportunities for the artisans? This struggle is a long journey that requires hard work, patience, and unwavering dedication,” said Thresia Mareta in her speech.

Her commitment to Indonesia’s fashion industry continues through her role as an advisor to the JF3 Fashion Festival, an initiative by Summarecon. For the past 21 years, JF3 has remained one of the most consistent fashion platforms in Indonesia, providing opportunities for local fashion creators and artisans. With her experience and expertise, Thresia Mareta has introduced various innovations and breakthroughs, one of which is the initiative to establish the PINTU Incubator.

PINTU Incubator: A Creative Bridge Between Indonesia and France

Through her extensive experience and the realization that cultural preservation efforts cannot be carried out by LAKON Indonesia alone, Thresia Mareta initiated the PINTU Incubator — a bilateral program jointly established by LAKON Indonesia, JF3, and the French Embassy through the Institut Français d’Indonésie (IFI).

The program supports young creators from both countries in building businesses that emphasize market development, business resilience, and long-term sustainability. By connecting Indonesian creators to the French fashion ecosystem, PINTU Incubator provides mentorship, industry insights, and global opportunities, ensuring participants are equipped to compete on an international level.

Tangible results from the program have already emerged — participants of the incubator have successfully sold their products to international buyers and boutiques across various continents, doubled their income, and gained valuable opportunities, such as participating in the Paris Trade Show and, for the first time, pursuing education at École Duperré, one of the most prestigious fashion schools in Paris.

The ecosystem consisting of Lakon Indonesia, the JF3 Fashion Festival, and the PINTU Incubator has grown into the strongest in its field, with highly comprehensive assets and facilities. This achievement marks a new chapter in Indonesia's fashion industry, and through collaboration with the French Embassy, it has become the only ecosystem in Indonesia officially connected to the French fashion industry.

Book Launch: Ode to Indonesian Culture

On the same occasion, Thresia Mareta introduced Ode to Indonesian Culture, a book that took two years to complete. The book highlights 15 inspiring Indonesian figures, told from the unique perspective of Lakon Indonesia.

"My hope is that future generations will not only understand their cultural heritage, but also feel proud of it. The world will always change, but may they never forget the strength and beauty of their cultural roots. I hope this book becomes a living legacy — a tribute to the wisdom and contributions of those who have shaped our cultural narrative today, while also inspiring the future to continue valuing and celebrating our identity," expressed Thresia Mareta.

With the prestigious Knight of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres award and the launch of the book Ode to Indonesian Culture, Thresia Mareta, together with LAKON Indonesia, hopes to inspire all parties to take an active role and collaborate—not only to preserve Indonesia’s cultural heritage but also to develop it so that it remains relevant, gains global recognition, and creates meaningful economic opportunities for artisans.

A Glimpse into the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is a French honorary award given to individuals who are considered to have made significant contributions in enriching and influencing the global landscape of art, culture, and literature. The award was established by the French Minister of Culture on May 2, 1957.

This highly selective award has been received by prominent figures from around the world, including painter Pablo Picasso, designer Issey Miyake, actress Meryl Streep, musician David Bowie, and philosopher Umberto Eco. From Indonesia, in addition to Thresia Mareta, previous recipients include Nyoman Nuarta, Garin Nugroho, and Guruh Soekarno Putra.