Deputy Minister of Creative Economy urges artists to create works rooted in cultural heritage

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar is urging artists or those engaged in the art world to remain firmly rooted in works derived from culture to create creativity with strong value.

“Because in Indonesia, the source code is culture. Without a source code of culture, our creativity will lack a very strong root,” said Irene in her speech at the opening event of Jakarta Art Gardens at the Senayan City Forest Terrace, Jakarta, on Tuesday.

She stated that the value of culture as the root of creativity must be preserved to have strong storytelling and be able to compete in the world by carrying the nation’s identity.

She also appreciated the Jakarta Art Gardens 2026 event held in the open space of the GBK City Forest Terrace, which indicates that art, especially installations, can be enjoyed even in limited spaces.

Irene said that cross-ministerial collaborations and also with the private sector in this art exhibition event demonstrate high attention to local artists to interact with communities and collectors so that they can generate economic value from the artworks created.

According to her, artworks can be made into future investments and also quite promising economic value through meetings between communities and collectors.

“Art is one of the drivers of the economy, and art is one form that can be made into an investment,” said Irene.

The Jakarta Art Gardens event is also supported by the Ministry of Culture to encourage young Indonesian artists to get space to exhibit their works in public.

Irene hopes that with the presence of the Ministry of Creative Economy, it can support young artists to increase the economic value of their artworks.