Jakarta, September 18, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Deputy Minister of Ekraf), Irene Umar, expressed her appreciation for the Calon Arang Musical performance produced by EKI Dance Company, which brings a Balinese folk legend to the stage through modern performing arts, enhanced by visual technology and interactive dialogue.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar (right), presents flowers to artist Ara Ajisiwi (left) after the Calon Arang musical theater performance at Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Jakarta, Friday (18/9/2026).
Involving more than 150 creative talents, the performance demonstrates how the richness of Nusantara culture can be developed into performing arts with economic value while reaching audiences across generations.
“The Calon Arang Musical transforms a legend into a truly distinctive performing arts work. It is a culture-based performance with a local concept that is relevant across generations and has the potential to reach global audiences. We must continue developing Indonesian musical theater for international stages, and people around the world should see works like this,” said Irene Umar after watching the performance at Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Friday (18/9).
The Calon Arang Musical performance also forms part of the celebration of EKI Dance Company’s 30-year journey in developing Indonesian musical performing arts. Previously, the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy also attended EKI Dance Company’s works through the musical theater Perempuan Punya Cerita and the musical Lutung Kasarung, which draw on stories from the Nusantara.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“Thirty years represents an extraordinary journey in preserving, developing, and bringing Indonesian performing arts to broader stages. Hopefully, EKI Dance Company will continue to create, nurture new talents, and become an important part of the journey of Indonesian musicals toward the international stage. Come on! Let us strive together and continue ensuring that EKI Dance Company never stops creating. Happy 30th birthday, EKI Dance Company!” said Irene Umar.
Support for the development of performing arts is also reflected in the growth of employment in the subsector. Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded 324,818 people working in the performing arts subsector as of August 2025. This figure increased from 287,952 workers in 2024 and 163,413 workers in 2021.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
This growth demonstrates the expanding ecosystem of talents involved in the performing arts subsector, ranging from artists and performers to creative workers behind the production process of a performance.
EKI Dance Company was founded in Jakarta in 1996 by Rusdy Rukmarata and Aiko Senosoenoto. Over three decades, EKI Dance Company has produced various dance works and dozens of musical performances, while bringing Indonesian works and talents to various international festival stages.
In addition to producing performances, EKI Dance Company also initiated the Indonesian Musical Festival (FMI), which will enter its fifth year in 2026. The festival is scheduled to take place at Taman Ismail Marzuki from November 26–29, 2026.
“Graha Bhakti Budaya (GBB) holds special significance for EKI Dance Company as it was the first performing arts venue where we staged a musical, Madam Dasima, in 2000. Today, the second generation of EKI Dance Company has begun taking the lead, but the spirit and commitment remain the same: to bring Indonesian arts to the world and make them something everyone can take pride in. Thank you for being here, and enjoy the show!” said Aiko Senosoenoto.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The Calon Arang performance, directed by Ara Ajisiwi, was held at Graha Bhakti Budaya from September 17–20, 2026. The performance combines folklore, dance, music, stage design, and visual technology to bring the richness of Nusantara culture to life through a work that is relevant to contemporary audiences.
The key talents involved in the Calon Arang Musical include Ara Ajisiwi as Calon Arang, Nala Amrytha as Ratna Manggali, Gabriel Harvianto as Barada, Gerry Gerardo as Bahula, and Sita Nursanti as Dewi Durga.
The production process also involved the cast ensemble, dancers, choreographers, musicians, artistic directors, stage designers, costume designers, lighting designers, sound designers, multimedia teams, as well as production and show management personnel. The involvement of these various professions demonstrates the value chain within the creative economy ecosystem of the performing arts subsector.
While attending the Calon Arang Musical, Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar was also accompanied by Director of Visual Arts and Performing Arts, Dadam Mahdar.
