Jakarta, August 20, 2026 – Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the central and regional governments in strengthening the creative economy ecosystem. He made the remarks during a meeting with the organizers of the Toba Caldera Culture Festival at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta on Thursday (August 20).
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, received a visit from the organizers of the Toba Caldera Culture Festival at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta, Thursday (August 20, 2026).
“The concept behind the Toba Caldera Culture Festival is very promising, particularly in how local heroes can go national, while creative works and leading products can be further promoted to the global level. This is where the collaboration between regional and central governments can support creative economy players, particularly in the music subsector,” said Teuku Riefky.
Toba Caldera Culture Festival (TCCF) 2026 is a pioneering collaborative platform initiated by ND Management to integrate culture, the creative economy, MSMEs, innovation, and investment while expanding market access and promoting business matching. The series of activities includes a public festival (marketplace), a gathering of traditional leaders from across the Indonesian archipelago, as well as a choir competition and workshop through the Samosir International Choir Competition, which is scheduled to take place in Samosir Regency from September 24–27, 2026.
The Minister of Creative Economy added that the Ministry continuously explores opportunities to connect TCCF with its existing programs, particularly those under the Deputy for Media Creativity through the Directorate of Music. Teuku Riefky said potential collaboration would continue to be assessed, including support for the choir competition, which involves four international judges and six national judges.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“The Ministry of Creative Economy will first assess what activations can be carried out as part of the Toba Caldera Culture Festival. We will then determine the appropriate form of support, whether through judging or by participating in other activities within the festival. Most importantly, the program should provide direct benefits and strengthen the music ecosystem as well as young talent,” Teuku Riefky added.
According to BPS data for 2025, the number of Indonesians working in the music subsector reached 220,714, with 41.62 percent of workers from the millennial generation, 33.61 percent from Generation Z, and 20.87 percent from Generation X.
Meanwhile, representatives of Toba Caldera explained that TCCF originated as a choir competition before expanding into a festival with a broader scope. The festival focuses on job creation, improving competitiveness, expanding market access, and generating added value through creativity and innovation. TCCF also serves as a platform to introduce and preserve Batak cultural heritage, arts, and identity to a wider audience.
“Lake Toba is one of Indonesia’s super-priority destinations and already has a strong global reputation. However, we are not only talking about preserving the destination itself, but also about the people, arts, and culture that can generate economic value. What we hope is that Toba Caldera Culture Festival will not simply receive support from the Ministry of Creative Economy, but become a collaborative ecosystem that implements the Ministry’s programs in priority provinces such as North Sumatra,” said TCCF Steering Committee Chair Mora Nasution.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
TCCF 2026 targets nearly 2,000 choir participants and 70 solo vocalists. Beyond the competitions, the festival will also showcase Indonesia’s cultural wealth as a source of inspiration for creative works, leading products, and innovative activities that connect music with the philosophy and identity of the Batak community, including Dalihan Na Tolu, Tondi, Gondang, and Tortor.
Accompanying Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky were Special Staff to the Minister for Communication, Media, and Public Services, Renanda Bachtar; Director of Music, Mohammad Amin; and Minister’s Expert Staff for Strategic and Inter-Institutional Affairs, Gemintang Kejora Mallarangeng. Representing TCCF were Rory Marganda and Deputy Chairperson of the Steering Committee, Vella Monica.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
