PINTU Incubator Welcomes French Minister of Culture to Celebrate Cross-Cultural Innovation

At the core of the event was the PINTU Incubator, a pioneering fashion incubator established to foster meaningful creative exchange between Indonesian and French designers. Since its launch in 2022, the program has served as a vibrant platform combining mentorship, cultural dialogue, and entrepreneurial development. Far beyond a support system, PINTU is shaping a forward-thinking ecosystem for the future of the fashion business.

Over the past three years, PINTU has drawn more than 10,000 applicants and nurtured 51 promising participants. Its mentorship network includes 86 experts—33 of them from France. In 2025, the incubator expanded its reach through its first international Residency Program, deepening creative immersion and cross-border collaboration.

Minister Dati’s visit represented a moment of recognition for the program’s global aspirations. She was welcomed by Thresia Mareta (Co-founder of PINTU and Founder of Lakon Indonesia), Soegianto Nagaria (Chairman of JF3), and officials from the French Embassy and IFI. Together, they celebrated PINTU not just as a fashion accelerator but as a cultural bridge between nations.

The event began with a documentary film tracing PINTU’s journey and highlighting its role in empowering emerging designers. It was followed by heartfelt testimonials from three alumni, who shared how the program had transformed their creative paths—from mastering craft techniques to building sustainable brand identities. Their stories reflected how collaboration can spark innovation and open new opportunities in the global fashion landscape.

A key moment of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PINTU Incubator and École Duperré Paris, one of France’s most respected fashion and applied arts institutions. The agreement lays the foundation for student exchanges, joint creative residencies, and collaborative design projects between both countries.

The MoU was formally signed by Thresia Mareta, Co-initiator of PINTU Incubator and Founder of LAKON Indonesia, and Alain Soreil, Director of École Duperré Paris, in the presence of Minister Rachida Dati and Soegianto Nagaria, Co-initiator of PINTU Incubator and Chairman of JF3. This partnership reflects PINTU’s mission to connect young designers with world-class educational resources while building bridges between creative industries on a global scale.

“PINTU is a living example of what happens when two cultures listen, collaborate, and grow together,” said Thresia Mareta. “This is not just about preserving heritage—it’s about shaping a future where young creators have the tools and global networks to lead with purpose.”

With its unique approach that blends mentorship, real-world exposure, and international engagement, PINTU continues to establish itself as a visionary fashion incubator. It goes beyond teaching technical skills—it opens doors to global thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and sustainable innovation for a new generation of fashion leaders.

As the global industry moves toward more sustainable, inclusive, and culturally grounded practices, PINTU stands out as a model for creative diplomacy. Strengthened by local leadership, international support, and meaningful collaboration, PINTU is not only developing talent—it’s redefining Indonesia’s role in the future of fashion.

For other nations seeking to elevate their fashion business through creativity and cooperation, the PINTU model offers a powerful example: nurture talent, invest in cultural exchange, and build a shared future through collaboration.