Tuesday, September 15, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) supports the Solo Painting Exhibition of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) at VOZA Tower, Surabaya. Featuring 100 paintings, the exhibition reflects the artistic journey of Indonesia’s sixth President while strengthening the visual arts subsector ecosystem as one of the pillars of the national creative industry.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, poses in front of a painting by the sixth President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, titled “The Day God Test Our Faith and Courage,” during the opening of the Solo Painting Exhibition of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, as part of the Ministry of Creative Economy’s (Ekraf) support for strengthening the visual arts subsector as one of the pillars of the national creative industry, at VOZA Tower, Surabaya (15/09/2026).
The series of events, which will run until the end of September, not only provides a space for public appreciation of painting but also encourages the participation of creative economy stakeholders through an opening ceremony, monograph book launch, private exhibition tour, and gala dinner.
“For me, art is not only about beauty, but also about expression, reflection, and a way to convey the values of life. Through painting, I have found a space to express my experiences, emotions, and reflections on my life journey. I hope these works can provide inspiration and enrich public appreciation of Indonesian art and culture,” said SBY at the opening of the exhibition on Tuesday (15/9).
Visual arts play a strategic role in the creative economy ecosystem because they can transform ideas and cultural expression into works with economic added value. This visual arts exhibition is the result of collaboration among academia, business, government, communities, and media to strengthen the national creative economy ecosystem as the New Engine of Growth. This cross-sector collaboration is an important part of supporting the development of Indonesian visual arts and expanding the contribution of the visual arts subsector to national creative economy growth.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuously strengthening the value chain of the visual arts subsector from upstream to downstream.
“Visual arts demonstrate how creativity can be translated into works that carry cultural value while creating economic opportunities. The government continues to promote the development of a creative ecosystem that supports artists in creating, collaborating, and expanding public appreciation for Indonesian creative works,” said the Minister of Creative Economy.
The Solo Painting Exhibition of SBY is open to the public from September 16 to 29, 2026. Through its support for this initiative, the Ministry of Creative Economy reaffirms its commitment to facilitating national artists, expanding market access for visual arts, and strengthening the synergy between cultural values and national economic growth.
Also attending the event were Deputy for Cultural and Design Creativity at the Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency, Yuke Sri Rahayu, and Director of Visual Arts and Performing Arts, Dadam Mahdar. The event was also attended by artists, curators, collectors, and art enthusiasts.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
