Zahra Salsabila
Dec 11, 2025
This year, TEDxBandung introduced THE CURATORS, consisting of M. F. Rosiy as Curator, Salwa A. Zarifa as Co-Curator, and David Irianto as Guest Curator, who is also a Curator at TEDxJakarta. They were responsible for curating ideas from speakers and performers for the main program of TEDxBandung 2025: LIGHT at the X—THEATER stage. The theme “LIGHT” was chosen because light plays a crucial role, from the beginning of life to its absence. Everything in the universe is connected to light—darkness and brightness alike. Beyond that, light represents a process. The metaphor “After Darkness Comes Light” symbolizes struggle, achievement, hope, and inevitability. In Sundanese teachings, eternal light carries spiritual and cultural significance, representing enlightenment, knowledge, and awareness.
The conference featured over 10 speakers and performers and was held on November 29, 2025, at The House Convention Hall, Bandung, Indonesia, divided into two main sessions: SUNLIGHT (Before Sunset) and MOONLIGHT (Before Midnight). The event opened with a performance by Puspa Karima, a Sundanese cultural art group presenting the energetic traditional art of Reak, highlighting the role of women in preserving and driving cultural traditions. The closing talk was delivered by Hesti Wulandari, an astronomer and Head of the Bosscha Observatory, who invited the audience to explore the universe by “reading light” through darkness, presenting the idea that darkness can be a natural cosmic antidepressant.
Several writers also appeared, including Minanto, the duo Evi Sri Rezeki and Eva Sri Rahayu, and Zaky Yamani, presenting the concept of “Writing Light.” The conference was supported by the Ministry of Culture through MTN Presentasi, part of the MTN Seni Budaya program, which helps Indonesian talent showcase their work, gain exposure, validation, and appreciation from both the public and industry professionals. As a talent development platform, MTN Seni Budaya provides opportunities for artists to build cultural careers, advance cultural progress, and inspire globally.
All speakers and performers undergo a careful process before appearing on the TEDxBandung stage, including idea curation, guidance in presenting ideas, and rehearsals.
Additionally, DISCOVERY SESSIONS offered interactive booths, exhibitions, fireside chats, workshops, and interactive classes, organized in collaboration with partners. Sustainability was prioritized at every event, with a focus on waste management partners and a Tree Donation program for carbon compensation, followed by mangrove planting along the West Java coast. To support inclusivity, sign language interpreters were available for Deaf attendees. Audience members could also meet and interact with speakers and performers during Speaker Meetups.
Renowned Bandung culinary figure Hendri Aditya returned as curator of THE FOOD PROGRAM, serving local, flavorful, and environmentally friendly food and drinks. Attendees enjoyed the offerings using wooden coins from Nyawang Bulan, a local festival in Kasepuhan Bunisari celebrating the full moon each month.
Through TEDxBandung 2025: LIGHT, the event aimed to demonstrate how the power of an idea can illuminate life and transform everything.
