Legislator: Independent Music Groups in Semarang Deserve Equal Creative Space

Semarang (ANTARA) – Samuel Wattimena, a member of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has stated that independent music groups in Semarang can obtain equal creative expression opportunities as other art forms, as part of efforts to enrich the artistic potential of Central Java’s capital city.

“This is actually a distinct source of wealth that also needs to be given space,” Samuel said during a discussion with music industry practitioners in Semarang who are members of the Semarang Creative Consortium on Friday.

He noted that much feedback from music sector practitioners in Semarang was not actually related to efforts to earn income to support their livelihoods. Rather, independent music practitioners require space to express their music, which currently cannot be adequately provided in Semarang.

Samuel identified coordination and communication as the key to resolving the concerns raised by music arts workers. He observed that many arts organisations in Semarang operate independently and lack coordination. Besides the Semarang Creative Consortium, he cited the Semarang Arts Council and the Creative Economy Committee.

Such matters, he suggested, need to be communicated among these communities before engaging with Semarang City Government about the various problems faced by music artists. As a House member, Samuel also committed to helping establish communication with the Ministry of Creative Economy regarding challenges facing music arts practitioners.