Deputy Minister of Creative Economy says student performing arts show strengthens creative economy ecosystem
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf), Irene Umar, stated that the performing arts and music subsector, drawing on talent resources from students, can form part of the strengthening of the national creative economy ecosystem.
She said that universities can serve as a hub for abundant top talents that can develop the musical theatre industry in Indonesia.
“This event demonstrates that through cross-sector collaboration, we can produce a work that we will preserve together, and I am confident the results will be exceptionally good. So, you have one task: to think about that,” said the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy in a confirmed statement on Monday.
Deputy Minister Irene appreciated the boldness of Prasetiya Mulya University students in presenting a dangdut-infused musical theatre performance titled “Musikal Pasar Dangdoet: Semesta Berdendang” as a narrative force and cultural identity in a modern musical theatre format.
“I want all of you to create such opportunities starting from university. What happened today is not just because of capital, but also perseverance. This young generation is already starting not only to think about business, not only about the economy, but about how creativity can become an engine of growth,” she added.
Semesta, an abbreviation for Semangat Seni Prasetiya Mulya, is a student musical theatre organisation focused on developing performing arts based on Indonesian culture.
Rector of Prasetiya Mulya University, Hassan Wirajuda, expressed that creativity honed through activities like this forms the foundation for innovation in various fields, from the cultural media industry to knowledge-based economy.
“This activity is not just an artistic expression, but also an integral part of the learning ecosystem at this university. Furthermore, we see an increasingly close connection between the world of education and the creative economy sector. Therefore, Prasetiya Mulya University will continue to encourage spaces for expression and collaboration,” he explained.
The character Adeng is depicted as a young man aspiring to become an actor and comedian, but facing family expectations to continue the family business. Through songs, humour, and everyday conflicts, the performance portrays the struggles of ordinary people in balancing life’s realities and dreams.
This performance, acted by Prasetiya Mulya University students and directed by Andibachtiar Yusuf and Dadang Badoet, presents a collaboration in performing arts that fuses music, comedy, and social narrative on a dynamic stage.
The Ministry of Creative Economy views works like this as concrete examples of how the younger generation can develop local cultural wealth into economically valuable creative products while strengthening national identity.