Jakarta, September 9, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) is strengthening cross-subsector synergy through an audience with production house Keana Film to optimize the potential of the national performing arts and film sectors. This initiative aims to stimulate sustainable creative economy growth, create employment opportunities, and generate added value throughout the domestic creative industry supply chain.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, received an audience with Keana Pictures production house at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta, Wednesday (9/9/2026).
Keana Film, which has previously successfully produced the theatrical productions Laksamana Malahayati, Monoplay Melati Pertiwi, and Meradjoet Sendja, as well as the films Kalau Kau Indonesia, Tepuk Dada! (2012) and Rectoverso: Cinta yang Tak Terucap (2013), presented its culture-based strategic plans for 2026–2027. The series of programs includes Monolog Melati Pertiwi, the Women’s Congress in Yogyakarta, and the CULTURA festival at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), focusing on cultural exchange among children and the empowerment of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In addition, Keana Film is preparing to develop an adaptation of the intellectual property (IP) Laksamana Malahayati, transitioning it from the performing arts stage into a comic and feature film, with an orientation toward international collaboration.
“We need to find common ground that allows the creative ecosystem to grow efficiently and sustainably. It is not only about developing the potential that has already been created, but also ensuring that creative business models can work. In this way, we are not merely increasing public interest in watching theater at performing arts venues or films in screening spaces, but also providing a soft landing for investors to enter the performing arts and film subsectors,” said Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar during the audience at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta, Wednesday (9/9).
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
These programs are designed not merely as performances, but as part of an ecosystem involving communities, MSMEs, education, and job creation. Another idea discussed was the development of the Laksamana Malahayati IP from performing arts into comic and film works, with opportunities for international collaboration.
“Performing arts and film are actually part of an interconnected ecosystem that strengthens one another. The performing arts subsector is not merely a space for cultural expression, but can also serve as a source of IP creation, talent development, and economic opportunities for creative economy players. We need to encourage performing arts works to continue developing so that they have sustainable business models and can transform into other mediums such as film,” added the Deputy Minister.
The discussion also covered the development of creative infrastructure, including the Indiskop Bioskop Rakyat program, which integrates film, performing arts, culture, and education. The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy highlighted the importance of efficiency and technology utilization so that the community cinema model can be replicated more widely. The use of digital systems for distribution, ticket sales, and cinema management is considered capable of reducing operational costs while enabling centralized management, thereby making the film ecosystem more competitive and reaching communities across various regions.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Meanwhile, President Director of Keana Film, Marcella Zalianty, said that the production house focuses on developing two creative economy subsectors: performing arts and film. Marcella emphasized the importance of regeneration in the creative industry through education and training, so that collaboration with the Ministry of Creative Economy can continue to develop into creative works that not only provide entertainment but also generate an impact on Indonesia’s creative ecosystem.
“In the past, Keana Film adapted an omnibus in the context of Rectoverso from literature, namely Dewi Lestari’s book, into a film. Now, we are inspired to create an omnibus concept on stage that presents historical stories about heroes from different struggles and periods, thereby bringing the performing arts ecosystem to life. In this way, Keana Film can take a local IP global because the content is universal and worthy of bringing Indonesia’s identity to the world,” said Marcella Zalianty, who also serves as Chairperson of the Indonesian Film Artists Association (PARFI 56).
Accompanying Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar was Director of Visual Arts and Performing Arts, Dadam Mahdar. Representatives from Keana Film were also present, including Strategic Partner Fary Farghob; Partnership representative Aszka Arief; and Secretariat representative Widya.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
