Jakarta, 24 April, 2026 – Vice Minister of Creative Economy/Vice Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, expressed appreciation for the upcoming Sabang Merauke – The Only One Indonesia Has 2026 performance, scheduled to take place this August. The event serves as part of efforts to strengthen the promotion of cultural performing arts by combining dance, music, and theater in a collaborative stage.
The Vice Minister delivered her remarks during the press conference for Road to Sabang Merauke – The Only One Indonesia Has 2026 at Grand Indonesia, Jakarta, on Friday (April 24, 2026).
“Many stages exist out there, but a strong cultural foundation is what distinguishes the Sabang to Merauke performance. What iForte has done is truly commendable and inspiring—showing how business and purpose can go hand in hand,” she stated.
The Sabang Merauke performance is an initiative by iForte, which has been held since 2022 and consistently presents large-scale productions. In its previous edition, themed Hikayat Nusantara, the event involved around 1,500 artists and attracted tens of thousands of attendees.
In 2026, the performance will take place from August 21–23 at Indonesia Arena, carrying the theme “Hikayat Srikandi Nusantara.” The theme highlights stories of women from various folk traditions, reflecting exemplary values and the role of women in shaping cultural narratives.
The Vice Minister noted that the consistency of the event demonstrates the private sector’s role in preserving culture while strengthening national unity. She also emphasized the strong participation of young people as a key indicator of Indonesia’s cultural sustainability. According to her, performing arts not only present visual appeal but also convey deep emotional value.
Doc: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“I sincerely hope this Sabang to Merauke performance can inspire a deeper love for our nation and for one another. For me, this performance is not only for Indonesians, but for the global stage,” she added.
Meanwhile, President Director & CEO of iForte & Protelindo Group, Ferdinandus Aming Santoso, emphasized that the event is more than entertainment—it is a cultural movement encouraging youth engagement.
“This is our hope—to create a cultural movement for corporations across Indonesia. We see that Indonesian youth have a strong interest in their culture. We must provide a platform for them to express it and help them fall in love with their own heritage,” he said.
Doc: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The performance showcases the richness of Nusantara culture through a contemporary approach while preserving traditional values from various regions. Its development extends beyond the stage, becoming part of a broader creative economy ecosystem based on performing arts.
The event was also attended by representatives of iForte, cultural observers, and national creators. The Vice Minister was accompanied by Deputy for Cultural Creativity and Design Yuke Sri Rahayu and Special Staff for Ecosystem Development and Data Jago Anggara.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
