BCA Launches Sanggar Bakti BCA Programme to Support Sustainability of Indonesian Performing Arts

PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) has officially launched the Sanggar Bakti BCA programme, a corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at strengthening the sustainability of the performing arts ecosystem in Indonesia. The programme addresses real challenges faced by arts communities, including limited funding, minimal organisational management capacity, and restricted access to mentorship and development networks. Citra Art Studio has been selected as the first participant to receive in-depth, medium-term coaching. The mentorship focuses not only on improving the quality of performance works but also on strengthening organisational structure, event and performance management, work documentation, and human resource development, enabling the studio to grow more professionally, independently, and sustainably. Citra Art Studio is a dance and music community founded by Armen Suwandi and Siti Suryani, specialising in contemporary dance, traditional dances, and creative works from across the archipelago. The studio actively participates in preserving and developing Indonesian arts and culture through involvement in various domestic and international events, as well as music and dance festivals. EVP Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility BCA, Hera F. Haryn, expressed hope that the programme will strengthen the role of the studio, established in 2006, as a space for cultural preservation and development, enabling it to continue producing works, opening learning opportunities for the younger generation, and providing wider benefits to society. The programme is implemented in partnership with Titimangsa, selected based on its over 15 years of experience in developing performing arts, producing various art works, and running training programmes. The programme consists of two stages: first, an assessment and mapping of arts communities to identify potential studios based on artistic activity, organisational capacity, quality of artistic process, and commitment to growth; second, intensive mentorship covering artistic quality enhancement, organisational capacity building, and performance work development. Ten candidate studios were evaluated by researchers Elly Luthan, a traditional dance maestro and choreographer, and Joned Suryatmoko, an actor and arts practitioner. Based on a comprehensive evaluation, five studios were selected to present directly to a panel of experts comprising Happy Salma, founder of Titimangsa; Nungki Kusumastuti, arts and performance academic; Sari Madjid, producer and stage manager at Teater Koma; and Nanang Hape, cultural observer and puppeteer. Happy Salma, as the implementing partner, appreciated the collaboration with Bakti BCA in supporting the sustainability of Indonesian performing arts, noting that the programme serves as a learning space that opens opportunities for studios to enrich their perspectives in managing and developing artistic activities while strengthening the ecosystem. Nungki Kusumastuti advised the selected studio to use the programme to strengthen its management, develop its potential, and prepare steps to grow independently.