Jakarta, June 10, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, expressed appreciation for the annual community-based NGAYOGJAZZ festival. The Deputy Minister hopes that this local creative economy platform can inspire the growth of creativity and strengthen cross-sector networks.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar received an audience with the organizers of NGAYOGJAZZ 2026 at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office, Jakarta, Wednesday (10/6/2026).
“One of the most interesting aspects of NGAYOGJAZZ is its approach to measuring success, which goes beyond commercial indicators. It encompasses experiences, interactions, and economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts that grow organically from the community. This can serve as an example of an annual festival capable of inspiring the creative economy ecosystem through the spirit of mutual cooperation,” said Irene Umar during an audience with the NGAYOGJAZZ organizers at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta on Wednesday (10/6).
Since its establishment in 2007, NGAYOGJAZZ has become widely recognized as a community-based event held in villages across Yogyakarta. This year, NGAYOGJAZZ 2026 is set to introduce an unconventional approach to organizing a music festival through cross-community collaboration. Beyond serving as a performing arts platform, the festival aims to create a meeting space for musicians, local communities, and stakeholders from various creative economy subsectors.
“We need to connect creative talents with available spaces, festivals, and stages. Many communities and musicians require platforms to showcase their work, while, on the other hand, there are facilities that have yet to be fully utilized. The role of the Ministry of Creative Economy is to provide access, facilitate collaboration, and create opportunities so that creativity can develop into sustainable economic activities,” the Deputy Minister stated.
Documentation by the Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Speaking at the same occasion, Ajie Wartono, Festival Director of NGAYOGJAZZ, explained that the festival emphasizes community participation while utilizing the flexibility of creative spaces in Yogyakarta’s villages to foster cross-cultural and intergenerational interactions. In addition to targeting the participation of more than 40 MSMEs, NGAYOGJAZZ is also aiming to attract 30,000 visitors, both domestic and international.
“Since the beginning, we have referred to NGAYOGJAZZ not merely as a music festival, but as an ‘arts and cultural event’ that encourages musical experimentation and interaction among various elements of society. We create an atmosphere of gathering and collaboration, involving not only musicians but also artisans, communities, academics, media representatives, and local villagers, all of whom contribute to the growth of a thriving creative ecosystem,” said Ajie Wartono.
In addition to musical performances, NGAYOGJAZZ also promotes various supporting activities, including batik-making and traditional dance training sessions, creative profession workshops, cross-community collaborations, and sustainable festival management practices that prioritize environmental responsibility and local economic benefits.
Documentation by the Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Local villagers are given opportunities to generate direct income through food sales, village souvenir markets, and parking management services for visitors. All proceeds from the bazaar and parking activities are fully allocated to local residents, with no deductions taken by the NGAYOGJAZZ organizers.
Accompanying the Deputy Minister during the audience was Director of Music Mohammad Amin. Also present were Board of Event Creative Hendy Setyawan, NGAYOGJAZZ Creative Board Novindra Diratara, and Fikri, representative of the Presidential Special Staff Unit for Creative Economy Affairs.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
