Jakarta, 13 December 2025 – The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency expressed its appreciation for Bagak Marnatal, an annual festival held in Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra, ahead of Christmas. The festival features a city parade involving local artists and creative communities.
Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Teuku Riefky Harsya, menyampaikan sambutan dalam acara Bagak Marnatal yang berlangsung di SMA YP HKBP 1 Pematang Siantar, Sabtu (13/12/2025).
“The Ministry of Creative Economy appreciates the initiative behind Bagak Marnatal, which is not merely an annual Christmas celebration, but has also become a major stage for the creative economy ecosystem in Pematangsiantar,” said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya on Saturday, 13 December 2025.
The Ministry believes that creative performing arts, active participation from creative communities, and the involvement of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are able to stimulate various creative economy subsectors in the peaceful and festive atmosphere leading up to Christmas. This is what positions the creative economy as the new engine of national economic growth, starting from the regions.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf/ Badan Ekraf
“This festival provides broad space for collaboration through a series of activities such as art and culinary talk shows, choir festivals, the ‘Marabit’ fashion show, and flash mobs involving creative communities across generations,” said Minister Teuku Riefky.
Through Bagak Marnatal, which carries the theme “Christmas Blessings for All,” creative talents are introduced to a wider audience through a parade at the YP HKBP 1 Senior High School Field in Pematangsiantar City. A strong spirit of collaboration between the government, creative communities, and the private sector is evident in this event, leading up to a Christmas celebration that is safe, comfortable, and harmonious. At the end of the event, donations will also be presented to survivors affected by recent flood disasters.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf/ Badan Ekraf
“The presence of creative economy activities in open public spaces is also proof that cultural and religious celebrations can go hand in hand with the movement of the people’s economy. The vision of the Ministry of Creative Economy is to make the creative economy the backbone of the future economy. It is time to position Pematangsiantar as a city that is not only tolerant, but also productive and creative,” said Minister Teuku Riefky.
Also in attendance at Bagak Marnatal 2025 were the Mayor of Pematangsiantar Wesly Silalahi, Chair of the Pematangsiantar City Council Timbul Lingga, Head of the Pematangsiantar District Prosecutor’s Office Erwin Purba, Chief of Pematangsiantar Police AKBP Sah Udur Sitinjak, President Director of RRI Hendrasmo, and Member of the RRI Supervisory Board Enderiman Butarbutar.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf/ Badan Ekraf
Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Bank Indonesia Medan, Bank Rakyat Indonesia Medan, as well as members of regional legislative councils from Siantar, Simalungun, Dairi, Pakpak, and Asahan were also present.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
