Ministry of Creative Economy introduces creative recovery programme for children in Aceh Tamiang
Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency (Kuala Lumpur/Bekraf) has introduced a creative recovery programme titled “Creative Recovery for Children: Painting Together with Children” in Aceh Tamiang Regency following recent disasters.
“After a disaster, what needs to be restored is not just buildings, but also the souls and smiles of our children,” said the Director of Culinary at Kemenekraf, Romi Astuti, in a statement in Aceh Tamiang on Sunday.
This art-based trauma healing programme is designed to restore the psychosocial condition of children affected by the flash floods that hit the region, while simultaneously introducing the potential of the creative economy from an early age.
The intensive programme is being attended by 100 participants, consisting of 50 primary school students and 50 junior high school students. Participants are accompanied by professional mentors, local artists, and clinical psychologists, and are invited to create works themed “Rise” and “New Hope.”
Romi stated that post-disaster recovery should not focus solely on physical infrastructure development, but must also provide hope to those affected.
“Through art, we provide a safe space for them to express their fears, hopes, and dreams,” he said.
According to him, the works created by the bootcamp participants will later be curated and developed into marketable creative economy products, such as art prints, bags, and souvenirs.
“One of the unique aspects of this activity is the use of natural pigments derived from mud and dust left by the disaster as a painting medium. This serves as a symbol of transforming disaster trauma into a work of art,” said Romi.
Meanwhile, the founder of Kids Biennale Indonesia, Agatha Anggira Paramita Putri (Gie Sanjaya), explained that they are applying the ‘observe, connect, invite, guide, reflect’ (KBI) method, which focuses on the children’s process of expression.
“Our main focus is on the children’s process and experience, not just the final result. Art here functions as a bridge for psychological recovery,” said Gie Sanjaya.
On this occasion, the Assistant for Economy and Development of the Aceh Tamiang Regional Secretariat, Yusriati, appreciated the central government’s steps in accelerating the psychosocial rehabilitation of the community.
“This activity is not merely painting training, but an effort to ignite the flame of optimism and train the resilience of children post-disaster,” she said.
This series of programmes, she continued, is an implementation of Presidential Decree Number 1 of 2026 regarding the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Natural Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction. The programme will conclude with the creation of a collective banner installation.
“The works are planned to be exhibited at the local Aceh Tamiang level before being brought to the National Exhibition in Jakarta,” added Yusriati.