Creative Economy Minister: Batak Performing Arts Can Drive Economic Growth

Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya has expressed appreciation for the opera and music concert titled ‘Tona Sian Huta’, stating it can strengthen the preservation of Batak culture while simultaneously serving as a source of regional economic growth. He said that a country with strong cultural roots can drive the creative industry, tourism, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the regions, which ultimately supports national economic growth if managed innovatively and sustainably. “Culture is one of Indonesia’s great strengths. When culture is managed well, packaged creatively, and introduced to the younger generation, it can become a source of inspiration, pride, and economic growth,” he said in a statement received in Jakarta on Sunday. Riefky noted that the Tona Sian Huta performance represents a significant strength for Indonesia, not only reinforcing national identity but also opening up attractive opportunities for the development of the creative economy from the Batak region. By combining performing arts, music, culture, and creativity on one stage, involving talent, intellectual property, and economic opportunities, it forms a creative ecosystem that can create jobs and drive the local economy. In line with the newly ratified Presidential Regulation on the Creative Economy Master Plan (Rindekraf) 2026-2045, the event, which also involved artists, musicians, craft practitioners, culinary businesses, event organisers, and various other supporting sectors, demonstrates how collaboration can turn cultural potential into added value. “We hope this activity will continue to be a space for collaboration, strengthening cultural preservation, and opening up more opportunities for the development of the performing arts, music, fashion, culinary, MSME, tourism, and creative economy sub-sectors in Indonesia. We invite the entire community to jointly develop the creative economy through strong collaboration,” said the Creative Economy Minister. Tona Sian Huta, which means ‘Message from the Homeland’, was held at the Jetun Silangit Building in North Tapanuli, North Sumatra. The event featured stand-up comedian Joel Purba, performances by 27 opera talents, and 30 local and national musicians including Maria Simorangkir, Victor Hutabarat, and Style Voice. The harmony of local wisdom was also evident through 50 MSMEs presenting creative products from various sub-sectors, such as culinary, craft, and fashion. “Batak opera is a very valuable cultural asset. Through Tona Sian Huta, we want to revive the Batak cultural heritage while making culture, the creative economy, tourism, and MSMEs an ecosystem capable of creating prosperity for the people of Lake Toba,” said Lamhot Sinaga, Deputy Chairman of Commission VII of the House of Representatives and the initiator of the event.