Jakarta, August 23, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, applauded the Festival Merah Putih “Rasa, Raga, dan Raya” organized by Bimasena together with The Dharmawangsa to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The festival brought together culinary arts, fitness, art, culture, and local products as a space to appreciate cultural heritage while strengthening the creative economy ecosystem.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency Irene Umar takes a photo with children at the Festival Merah Putih at The Dharmawangsa, Jakarta, Sunday (23/8/2026).
The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy said Festival Merah Putih demonstrates how Independence Day celebrations can serve as a space for collaboration among various elements of the creative economy. According to her, the “Rasa, Raga, dan Raya” concept aligns with the growing lifestyle trend of placing greater emphasis on healthy and balanced living (wellness).
“When we look at the opportunities within the creative economy, one of them is wellness. This is highly aligned with lifestyle trends, not only in Indonesia but also in other countries. Wellness is not only about health, but also about our mind, body, and rituals,” said the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy at The Dharmawangsa, Jakarta, Sunday (23/8).
The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy also noted that the development of wellness could become part of Indonesia’s creative economy strengths because it is closely connected to lifestyle, culture, and local heritage. Jamu and various traditional beverages, for example, can be developed as part of wellness experiences with economic value.
“Our lifestyles continue to change, and attention to health is increasing. We can see how jamu and various beverages featured here have become part of wellness. This demonstrates that the potential of wellness can also be developed from Indonesia’s local heritage,” she said.
This year’s Festival Merah Putih featured three main pillars: “Raga,” through a 5K Fun Walk in the Dharmawangsa area; “Rasa,” through culinary offerings, coffee and tea appreciation, as well as signature cocktails and mocktails; and “Raya,” through a culinary bazaar and local brand products, traditional games, art performances, and live art painting. The series of activities served as a meeting point for communities, creative economy players, younger generations, and the public.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy also applauded the festival’s inclusive approach through the involvement of talented children in the live art painting session. According to her, everyone should have space to create and contribute to the creative ecosystem.
“The children here are all very special. When we talk with them, we come to understand just how special they are. This is a form of inclusivity demonstrated by The Dharmawangsa and Bimasena: everyone can create, everyone has a space in the soul, and everyone is here to love each other,” said Irene.
Managing Director of Bimasena Adriel Simorangkir said Festival Merah Putih is an annual event organized through a collaboration between Bimasena and The Dharmawangsa. The festival is not only intended as an Independence Day celebration, but also as an effort to strengthen the local creative economy ecosystem and introduce the richness of Indonesian culture to younger generations.
“We created this festival not merely as a celebration, but also as an effort to strengthen the local creative economy ecosystem and encourage younger generations to love and preserve the culture of the Indonesian archipelago,” said Adriel.
Festival Merah Putih “Rasa, Raga, dan Raya” also featured performances by school choirs, a Nusantara Dance performance, live art painting with talented children from the Indonesian Autism Foundation, Anak Nusantara storytelling, and various traditional competitions. The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy took part in the opening ceremony, made the first stroke during the live art painting session, and visited several bazaar stalls featuring local culinary products and goods.
During the event, Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar was accompanied by Secretary of the Ministry/Secretary General, Dessy Ruhati.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
