Jakarta, 10 April, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy / Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, expressed admiration for Chicago The Musical in its Indonesian-language adaptation. The performance, a collaboration between ADPRO. and Jakarta Art House presented by ArtSwara Production, is considered a new milestone in the development of national musical theatre.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, attended Chicago The Musical, a collaborative performance by ADPRO. and Jakarta Art House presented by ArtSwara Production at Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, Friday (10/4/2026).
“Indonesian musical theatre demonstrates remarkable quality, and the talents showcased on the Chicago The Musical stage are ready to be elevated to the international arena. This is not my first time watching a musical theatre performance, and we must expand our reach so the world can witness that Indonesia continues to produce outstanding performing arts,” said the Deputy Minister after watching the adaptation of this legendary Broadway work at Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, Friday, April 10, 2026.
The performance served as a high-quality entertainment option over five days with eight shows from April 8 to 12, 2026. Chicago The Musical is believed to open broader opportunities for Indonesia’s creative economy talents to enter the global stage.
The courage and excellence of musical theatre practitioners were evident in their ability to adapt an international work with local touches, including choreography inspired by traditional Indonesian dance elements.
“Every song performed, every expressive dance movement, and every emotionally rich dialogue created a vibrant and captivating performance for Chicago The Musical. The challenge ahead is how to enable more people, including international audiences, to watch and take pride in Indonesia’s musical theatre,” the Deputy Minister added.
The production of Chicago The Musical involved more than 150 creative workers, consisting of approximately 20 performers, including five singers, and 130 crew members behind the scenes. Over nearly three months, the musical theatre talents underwent intensive rehearsals and preparations, reflecting the vast ecosystem of the creative economy within a single theatre production.
Doc. Bureau for Communication Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
“Chicago The Musical is known as the longest-running and iconic Broadway production, both as a film and a stage performance that has been adapted in many countries. In Indonesia, the key message we want to convey relates to legal issues and the ‘no viral, no justice’ phenomenon, which resonates closely with current societal realities. We have also prepared elements of surprise, from costumes and artistic direction to dialogues that connect with Indonesian audiences,” explained Executive Producer Fadli Hafizan.
The story of Roxie Hart (Putri Indam Kamila) and Velma Kelly (Galabby) in Chicago The Musical goes beyond crime or satirical entertainment. Its adaptation reflects contemporary Indonesia, where narratives are shaped by perception, popularity, and media exposure, inviting audiences to laugh and be entertained by the glamour, drama, and scandals portrayed.
Doc. Bureau for Communication Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
“The presence of audiences means everything to performing arts workers in Indonesia to sustain the ecosystem. Chicago The Musical marks a historic first staging in Indonesia, bringing a story that resonates deeply with audiences. We hope this step opens the way for more musical productions in the future, and we invite friends, relatives, and families to attend our next performances,” concluded Director Aldafi Adnan.
Also attending the performance alongside the Deputy Minister were Special Staff to the President for Creative Economy Yovie Widianto; Special Staff to the Minister for Creative Economy Strengthening Jago Anggara; Director of Fine Arts and Performing Arts at the Ministry of Creative Economy Dadam Mahdar; and Country Director Indonesia and Director Southeast Asia for the British Council, Summer Xia.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
