Jakarta, 24 August 2025 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar expressed her pride in the “Sabang Merauke” performance, which she considers a real example of how the creative economy can serve as a unifying force for the nation. The collaboration of more than 1,500 artists in the stage production titled “Hikayat Nusantara” was held in partnership with PT iForte Solusi Infotek (iForte) at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, Sunday, 24 August 2025.
Wakil Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Irene Umar, menghadiri Pagelaran Sabang Merauke, Jakarta, Minggu (24/08/2025).
“This performance proves how creative practitioners from Sabang to Merauke can come together in a grand collective work. It also strengthens various subsectors of the creative economy, including music, fashion, performing arts, and crafts,” stated the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy after the event.
Sabang Merauke presented a fusion of theater, traditional and contemporary dance, ethnic costumes by national designers, as well as traditional and modern music in a grand format. More than 1,500 artists took part, featuring musical performances from Jakarta Concert Orchestra, Batavia Madrigal Singers, The Resonanz Children’s Choir, and national musicians such as Yura Yunita and Padi Reborn. The stage atmosphere was enriched with performances of legendary folktales from the archipelago such as Yuyu Kangkang, Malin Kundang, Si Tumang, Mahadewi, and Calon Arang.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy emphasized that the main message of the show was not only its artistic richness, but also the values of unity conveyed through the collective work of the participating artists.
“We leave this performance with pride and inspiration. The most important message is that we must not allow ourselves to be divided. We must strengthen one another in our diversity, because we are Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, united in differences, and this is what makes Indonesia unique,” said the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Sabang Merauke has been consistently organized since 2022 by iForte and BCA, and this year returned on a grander scale. Held on 23–24 August 2025, the event carried the theme “Hikayat Nusantara”, presenting more than 31 songs, over 100 choreographies, hundreds of dancer costumes, and dozens of special vocal performances.
A wide array of regional dances and songs were presented with modern creative interpretations, from “Bungong Jeumpa” of Aceh, “Gending Sriwijaya” of South Sumatra which blended with a world-class Barongsai performance from Kong Ha Hong, “Manuk Dadali” of West Java enriched with Jaipong choreography, to “Mahadewi” performed by Padi Reborn and Yura Yunita along with the Mahadewi narrative from Yogyakarta.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The audience filling the stands of Indonesia Arena further enhanced the sense of unity by wearing attire inspired by Nusantara textiles. The atmosphere grew even livelier when the audience was invited to come down to the arena and join in the Lulo dance from Southeast Sulawesi, creating a vibrant moment that represented the spirit of Indonesian solidarity.
The Ministry of Creative Economy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting collaborative spaces across subsectors. Through a hexahelix collaboration approach involving government, industry players, cultural communities, academia, media, and the public, Indonesia’s performing arts scene is expected to continue advancing. Culture and creativity are positioned as the new engine of growth for Indonesia, not only strengthening national identity but also supporting sustainable creative economic development.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“The entire series of performances delivered an artistic experience that was not only visually captivating but also reflective of the nation’s cultural diversity while serving as a symbol of intergenerational unity,” expressed the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
