The Power of Stories: Indonesian Journalists on Fashion Diplomacy in Paris

For the second year in a row, PINTU sent two journalists to Paris to experience the program firsthand. Their assignment was simple yet crucial: observe deeply, report authentically, and translate Indonesia’s creative ambition to the world. As they visited leading exhibitions, fashion schools, heritage ateliers, and creative hubs across Paris, their perspectives contributed to a larger narrative—one that positions Indonesia as a nation ready to compete, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to the global fashion industry.

This initiative underscores PINTU’s long-term mission to build not only designers, but also storytellers who play an important role in shaping the ecosystem. Journalism, after all, is a vital part of any sustainable fashion industry. By giving journalists direct access to Paris’s most influential institutions, PINTU reinforces Indonesia’s fashion diplomacy and ensures that the country’s creative excellence is widely and accurately represented.

The selected journalists were:

• Daniel Ngantung – Winner of PINTU Journalist Competition, Detik Wolipop
• Yovita Arika – Senior Journalist, Harian Kompas

Daniel Ngantung, winner of PINTU’s Journalist Competition and representing Detik Wolipop, described the experience as transformative. “Covering PINTU in Paris opened entirely new perspectives for me. Some of the visits were opportunities I simply wouldn’t have access to without PINTU. One of the most memorable was the rare visit to Le19M, home to hundreds of master artisans, from embroidery to featherwork, who craft for major fashion houses like Schiaparelli, Dior, Balmain, Balenciaga, and of course, Chanel with its iconic tweed. It shows how strong PINTU is in opening doors to the global fashion ecosystem. Young designers are given a space to deepen their understanding, strengthen their design identity, and refine their business concepts, not only to compete locally but to confidently enter the global market,” he said.

For Yovita Arika, the trip became a revelation of how a strong Fashion Incubator can shape an entire industry: “Covering PINTU’s activities in Paris expanded my understanding of the fashion ecosystem. PINTU reflects what an Incubator Program should be. Designers are not only encouraged to see the world, to think internationally, they are guided to elevate their creative process. This experience showed me how a strong ecosystem is built from within, while also opening gateways to international networks.”

Throughout their journey, the journalists visited key Parisian institutions and cultural landmarks, including École Duperré, Institut Français de la Mode, Galerie du 19M, Galerie des Ateliers de Paris, Printemps, the Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame de Paris, and Musée des Arts Décoratifs for the “Fashion is a Feast” exhibition by Paul Poiret. They also explored the Rick Owens exhibition at Palais Galliera—an encounter that left a strong impression on their understanding of global fashion narratives.

Their reports became an essential extension of Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy. From Detik Wolipop alone, six in-depth articles were published, covering everything from Indonesian brands attracting European buyers to explorations of French heritage institutions. Kompas followed with three comprehensive features that highlighted global market opportunities, sustainability, and the impact of Indonesian craftsmanship in Paris.

These stories demonstrate more than journalistic curiosity, they elevate Indonesia’s global fashion presence with authenticity and depth. By documenting the growth of young designers, international collaborations, and the creative atmosphere of Paris, Daniel and Yovita helped position Indonesia not simply as a participant, but as an active contributor to the international fashion conversation.

As Indonesia continues to build a world-class fashion industry, stories like theirs become key pillars of diplomacy and representation. And through programs like PINTU, the nation’s creative talents and cultural identity will continue finding new audiences, new opportunities, and new stages around the world.

Discover the behind-the-scenes story of how PINTU 2024 sent 4 Indonesian Journalists Explore the Fashion Capital with PINTU Incubator