Gala Premiere of Timun Mas Theme Song, Culture Minister Promotes Folk Tales Globally
Indonesia’s Culture Minister Fadli Zon attended the gala premiere of the theme song for the musical family film “Timun Mas in Wonderland” at XXI Epicentrum, Jakarta. The event marked part of the production series by SINERA FILMS and the official launch of the film’s theme songs.
In his remarks, Fadli commended the growing number of works by Indonesian artists drawing inspiration from the nation’s rich folk tales. He assessed the Timun Mas theme as highly relevant to efforts promoting national cultural advancement.
“I am delighted to see increasingly more works from Indonesian artists, particularly the gala premiere of songs in the film Timun Mas in Wonderland. This is a highly interesting theme because it originates from folk tales,” he stated.
Fadli expressed hope that the launch of these theme songs could inspire Indonesian children that local stories are equally magical and captivating as tales from other countries. He emphasised that Indonesia, as a mega-diverse nation with 1,340 ethnic groups and 718 languages, possesses immense narrative wealth that can be developed into strong intellectual property whilst contributing to national economic growth.
He also affirmed the Culture Ministry’s support for this initiative, in line with Article 32 Paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution regarding the promotion of national culture within global civilisation.
“In future, we hope Indonesian films, songs, musicals, and theatre can also be enjoyed by international audiences, becoming increasingly visible to the world,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, Fadli congratulated the entire creative team and hoped the film would receive positive reception from the wider public. He expressed optimism that “Timun Mas in Wonderland” could become a significant milestone in promoting national culture, watched and beloved by Indonesian children whilst breaking through international markets.
Meanwhile, the Director of Visual Arts and Performance of the Ministry of Creative Economy, Dadan Mahdar, explained that the gala premiere represented not merely a song launch but an important phase in developing the structured family musical drama film. This process encompasses story development, the Magical Casting Bootcamp involving talented children and youth from various regions, and integrated music production within a single creative ecosystem.
“When film, music, and performing arts integrate, we not only preserve cultural heritage but also drive creative industry growth as an economic force for the future. May this premiere mark the beginning of success for Timun Mas in Wonderland and inspire more family musicals based on Indonesian folk narratives,” he stated.
Creative Director Andrei Aksana described the project as a space for young Indonesians to dare dream and perform with confidence on the global stage. He hoped every creative step in production would convey a powerful message about Indonesian youth potential.
“May every step, every note, and every movement in these songs become a message to the world that Indonesia possesses a generation of children ready to be reckoned with on the global stage. Let us continue supporting Indonesian children’s dreams, for from here Indonesia’s future shines for the world,” he said.
The gala premiere featured the launch and exclusive live performances by the cast of “Timun Mas in Wonderland,” presenting 17 theme songs including “Jus Ketimun” (Cucumber Juice), “Welcome to Wonderland,” “Dunia Warna Warni” (Colourful World), and “Atas Seizinmu Yaa Allah” (By Your Permission, O Allah). Composed by Andrei Aksana, these songs embody values of friendship, courage, solidarity, love of country, spirituality, and the spirit of pursuing dreams.
Beyond the Culture Ministry, the launch received support from the Ministry of Creative Economy, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the Language Development and Cultivation Agency.
The creative journey began with the Magical Casting Bootcamp, which developed into the illustrated novel “Timun Mas in Wonderland: Maura & 7 Friends’ Exploration Mission,” before production as a family musical drama film.