Jakarta, 7 September 2025 — Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar appreciated the musical Perempuan Punya Cerita, recognizing it as an effective medium for social advocacy while also driving the creative economy. The performance, held at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Jakarta, from 4–7 September, is considered a new engine of growth, integrating cultural, social, and creative economic values.
Wakil Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Irene Umar, menghadiri pertunjukan Perempuan Punya Cerita yang dipentaskan EKI Dance Company di Graha Bhakti Budaya di TIM, Jakarta, Minggu (07/09/2025).
“This is proof that performing arts are an essential part of the creative economy: they move emotions, raise awareness of important issues, and create economic opportunities for the performers. Arts like this can be a new engine of growth, combining cultural, social, and economic value,” said Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar while attending the performance by EKI Dance Company at Graha Bhakti Budaya, TIM.
The musical tells the story of Anya, a teenage student who is a victim of bullying, and Jami, a single mother facing economic and social pressures. Directed by Ara Ajisiwi with performances by Nala Amrytha, Gerry Gerardo, Gabriel Harvianto, Uli Herdi, and Tan Hadian, the work demonstrates how performing arts can convey messages relevant to everyday life.
The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy expressed appreciation for the courage of artists in highlighting women’s issues through creative works. “Both stories presented are highly relevant to our social reality. This performance is not just entertainment; it raises awareness, especially among young people, encouraging parents and teachers to be more sensitive to real-life phenomena,” she said.
In addition to social issues, the musical offers artistic innovation, including a horror musical segment.
“I usually avoid horror films, but on stage, I was able to enjoy a horror musical presented beautifully and gracefully. This kind of creativity demonstrates the great capacity of performing arts to innovate, create new experiences for audiences, and open spaces for cross-sector collaboration. If consistently supported, works like this will strengthen our creative economy ecosystem,” added the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy.
Doc. Communication Bureau of Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The government’s presence through the Deputy Minister underscores support for the performing arts subsector as a key driver within the creative economy ecosystem. According to Deputy Minister Irene Umar, cross-sector collaboration—between art communities, the government, and society—is essential to ensure the performing arts continue to develop and generate both economic and social impact.
The performance also received appreciation from national film figure Chand Parwez Servia. Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar emphasized that Perempuan Punya Cerita carries strong social messages and can serve as a movement for positive change in society. This perspective aligns with the Ministry of Creative Economy’s vision of promoting creative works that are not only artistically valuable but also socially relevant.
Through musicals like Perempuan Punya Cerita, Indonesia demonstrates that performing arts have the power to drive the economy, preserve culture, and serve as a reflective social platform that produces tangible benefits for society.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
