North Tapanuli, July 11, 2026 – Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, commended the Toba Heritage photography exhibition, which highlights the natural beauty, cultural richness, and daily life of the communities around Lake Toba. The Minister expressed confidence that the exhibition represents a strategic step toward strengthening the creative economy ecosystem, particularly within the photography subsector.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya (left), together with professional photographer and founder of Huta Art Space, Edward Tigor Siahaan (right), observes a photograph during the Toba Heritage Photo Exhibition 2026 at Huta Art Space, North Sumatra, on Saturday (July 11, 2026).
“Horas! This exhibition serves as an important platform for showcasing the beauty of nature, the richness of culture, and the heritage of Toba through inspiring photographic works. Through the lenses of these photographers, we are invited to appreciate the richness of our national identity, which serves as a source of creativity and pride for Indonesia,” said the Minister of Creative Economy during his visit to Huta Art Space, North Sumatra, on Saturday (July 11).
The Toba Heritage exhibition runs from June 10 to August 10, 2026, under the theme Visual Reconstruction of Heritage. The exhibition celebrates cultural richness while preserving ancestral heritage through the visual medium.
The exhibition features 47 visual works by 10 photographers, documenting cultural heritage, traditional settlements, and the natural landscapes of the Lake Toba region, all of which embody significant historical value and local wisdom.
“North Sumatra is one of the priority regions for creative economy development, endowed with tremendous potential supported by its rich cultural heritage, creative talents, and world-class natural attractions such as Lake Toba. In this context, photography is not merely a medium of artistic expression but also plays a vital role in promoting tourism, shaping regional narratives, and generating added economic value for local communities,” the Minister said.
“We hope that the Toba Heritage Photo Exhibition 2026, supported by BTN, will be a great success, providing a platform for photographers to gain wider recognition while introducing the rich heritage of Toba to audiences across Indonesia and around the world,” the Minister added.
Doc. Communication Bureau of Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Professional photographer and founder of Huta Art Space, Edward Tigor Siahaan, explained that the exhibition aims to foster a sustainable photography ecosystem. Through a curation process led by Darwis Triadi and collaboration with the Lake Toba Photographers Community (Komunitas Fotografer Danau Toba—KFDT), the exhibition presents works distinguished by both technical excellence and compelling narratives.
“Toba Heritage is more than just a photography exhibition. It is a meeting point where local photographers can grow, learn from one another, and introduce the rich heritage of Lake Toba to a broader audience. The presence of the Minister of Creative Economy provides meaningful moral support for our creative community to continue producing impactful works,” said Edward Tigor Siahaan.
Doc. Communication Bureau of Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
In addition to visiting the exhibition, the Minister of Creative Economy also stopped by Piltik Coffee to strengthen synergy between the government and creative practitioners in advancing the culinary subsector. Through the strengthening of creative spaces and the enhancement of talent capacity, these efforts are expected to contribute to the growth of Indonesia's national creative economy.
Also accompanying the Minister were Director of Strategic Studies and Management Agus Syarip Hidayat; Director of Visual Arts and Performing Arts Dadam Mahdar; Minister's Expert Staff for Protocol Affairs Panji Purboyo; and Minister's Expert Staff for Media Issues and Public Opinion Hasbil Mustaqim Lubis.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
