Jakarta, August 31, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), through the Directorate of Visual Arts and Performing Arts under the Deputy for Cultural Creativity and Design, organized a visual arts-based trauma healing program titled Painting Together with Associations and Children in Aceh Tamiang on August 27–29, 2026. The initiative involved 100 elementary and junior high school students affected by flash floods, aiming to support their psychosocial recovery while introducing the potential of the creative economy from an early age.
The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), through the Directorate of Visual Arts and Performing Arts under the Deputy for Cultural Creativity and Design, held a visual arts-based trauma healing program titled “Painting Together with Associations and Children” in Aceh Tamiang, Aceh, Wednesday (27/8/2026).
“The flash floods in 2025 not only damaged infrastructure, but also left deep trauma among thousands of children in Aceh. Through this initiative, the Ministry of Creative Economy is present to provide psychosocial support by integrating art, education, and the creative economy as part of the recovery process,” said Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya.
The program was implemented in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 1 of 2026 concerning the Task Force for the Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction following Natural Disasters, as well as the Post-Flood Master Plan (Rencana Induk Pasca Banjir—Renduk) for the Sumatra region. Director of Culinary, Romi Astuti, representing the Director of Visual Arts and Performing Arts, emphasized that post-disaster recovery should not focus solely on physical infrastructure.
“After a disaster, it is not only buildings that need to be restored, but also the spirit and smiles of our children. Through art, we provide a ‘safe space’ for them to express fears, hopes, and dreams that may be difficult to put into words,” she said.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The three-day intensive bootcamp involved 100 participants, consisting of 50 elementary school students and 50 junior high school students. Under the guidance of professional mentors, local artists, and clinical psychologists, the children participated in various creative activities centered on the themes of Rising Again and New Hope.
One of the unique aspects of the program was the use of natural pigments derived from mud and dust left behind by the disaster as painting media. This approach symbolized the transformation of something painful—the disaster—into a beautiful work of art.
Meanwhile, Agatha Anggira Paramita Putri (Gie Sanjaya), Founder of Kids Biennale Indonesia and a program resource person, explained that the artistic approach placed children at the center of the activity, prioritizing a safe and enjoyable creative experience and process.
“We applied the KBI method (Observe, Connect, Invite, Guide, Reflect). Our main focus is on the children’s process and experience, rather than simply the final outcome. Here, art serves as a pathway to healing,” she said.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The works produced during the program will not stop at exhibition spaces. The Ministry of Creative Economy is committed to developing the children’s creative potential into economically valuable creative economy products, such as art prints, bags, and various merchandise.
To ensure the psychological safety of participants, the Ministry of Creative Economy also collaborated with clinical psychologists to conduct assessments throughout the program. The assessment results will be compiled into a comprehensive report to serve as a guide for parents and teachers in providing ongoing support for the children’s psychosocial recovery.
The closing of the bootcamp was marked by the creation of a collective artwork in the form of a large umbul-umbul installation created by the children. The artwork will be exhibited at a local exhibition in Aceh Tamiang before being presented at a national exhibition in Jakarta.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
