Jakarta, 26 April, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, attended the Parade Inspirasi Diri as part of the Road to Pagelaran Sabang Merauke during the Car Free Day (CFD) event in Jakarta on Sunday (April 26). She emphasized that CFD serves as a strategic platform to expand the promotional reach of large-scale performing arts showcasing Indonesia’s cultural richness.
The Deputy Minister joined the event at Bundaran HI, where the parade featured talents from various performing arts subsectors.
“Pagelaran Sabang sampai Merauke is a source of pride for us and deserves to be promoted worldwide, as this kind of performance exists only in Indonesia. Through the Parade Inspirasi Diri at CFD, which presents talents from the performing arts subsector, we can offer direct interaction to reach a broader audience,” she said.
She added that Jakarta’s CFD provides an engaging stage that attracts potential audiences. Therefore, the Ministry supports initiatives that allow the performing arts, music, and fashion subsectors to build and strengthen public enthusiasm in a positive atmosphere.
Doc. Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“We have just witnessed the road to Pagelaran Sabang Merauke, and it was already this lively. Imagine how spectacular the main performance will be—something uniquely Indonesian. Get ready for the ticket war to witness this cross-subsector collaboration that highlights cultural diversity as a symbol of national unity,” she continued.
Since 2022, Pagelaran Sabang Merauke has successfully combined theater, traditional and contemporary dance, regional and national music, and ethnic fashion parades into a spectacular showcase. The event is scheduled to return with the theme “Hikayat Srikandi Nusantara” on August 21–23, 2026, at Indonesia Arena.
Doc. Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
One of the performers, Gabriel Harvianto, who has participated since 2023, shared his preparation process.
“At this stage, I’m still revisiting the music and arrangements to memorize the lyrics, as they are in regional languages that can be quite complex and must be pronounced correctly. This year, I will perform songs such as Bungong Jeumpa from Aceh, Andalas from Sumatra, Lulo from Southeast Sulawesi, Ondel-Ondel from Betawi (Jakarta), and Sajojo from Papua,” he explained.
The Parade Inspirasi Diri, held on the stage in front of Menara BCA, also featured a flash mob of nearly 200 dancers from across Indonesia, as well as performances by Marching Band Gita Handayani, Barongsai Kong Ha Hong, the Jember Fashion Carnaval Parade, and musical acts including Jakarta Concert Orchestra, Batavia Madrigal Singers, The Resonanz Children’s Choir, Christine Tambunan, Gabriel Harvianto, Alsant Nababan, and Nino Prabowo. Hosted by Indra Bekti, the event brought together the public in celebrating Indonesia’s rich diversity.
Doc. Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“Hopefully, Pagelaran Sabang Merauke can provide a wider platform for young Indonesian artists. The event consistently involves hundreds of dancers, including vocational school students. With its annual implementation, it can become a space that appreciates artists from young talents to senior performers,” Gabriel added.
The Ministry of Creative Economy reaffirmed the importance of nurturing performing arts and music talents through various cultural and creative initiatives at local, national, and global levels. By leveraging the lively and inclusive atmosphere of CFD, combined with a hexahelix collaboration approach, such events can create engaging and meaningful cultural experiences.
The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Director of Fine Arts and Performing Arts Dadam Mahdar.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau of Communications
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
