Jakarta, 15 November 2025 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, encourages Indonesian musical theater talents to go international through the Festival Musikal Indonesia (FMI) 2025. This support was expressed after she personally watched the performance of the Jakarta Musical Crew (Jaksical) during the festival held on 14–16 November 2025 at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta.
Wakil Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Irene Umar, menghadiri Festival Musikal Indonesia 2025 dari Jakarta Musical Crew (Jaksical) di Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, Sabtu (15/11/2025).
“The Festival Musikal Indonesia provides a platform that brings together talented individuals from across the country. The talents performing with Jaksical can perform from the heart, and every performance touches the audience. This is just one of the 12 musical communities selected to bring Indonesian musical theater to life,” said the Deputy Minister today.
According to the Deputy Minister, Indonesian musical performing arts possess the power of storytelling and talent that “comes from the heart,” enabling them to compete on the global stage.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Since 2022, FMI has celebrated talents in the performing arts subsector, eagerly anticipated by creative economy practitioners. FMI 2025 features 12 musical communities from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Solo, performing across three TIM stages—Teater Kecil, Teater Besar, and Teater Wahyu Sihombing—over three days. The Deputy Minister also attended the musical theater presented by Jakarta Musical Crew (Jaksical) with the musical play Kapan Nikah: Extended.
Previously, Deputy Minister Irene Umar also attended the prequel of this performance at Teater Salihara on 22 February 2025. Observing both performances, she believes that many Indonesian musical theater talents have the potential to perform on international stages.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The Deputy Minister explained that musical theater in Indonesia draws its strength from storytelling, talent, and original musical compositions. The performing arts subsector is increasingly recognized by the public as an alternative form of entertainment that resonates with audiences’ emotions. She hopes that collaborative stage-sharing among communities through FMI 2025 can further elevate the presence of Indonesian musical theater globally.
“My hope is that musical talents remain connected beyond just three days. We could extend Festival Musikal Indonesia to a week, even a month. We must show the world that Indonesian musicals are based on love and always performed from the heart. FMI can bring artists and musical communities closer by providing performances with a more global reach,” said Deputy Minister Irene Umar, accompanied by Deputy for Cultural and Design Creativity, Yuke Sri Rahayu.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Jaksical was selected to perform at FMI 2025 after a curation process from 87 communities submitting original scripts. Their interactive performance serves as a significant milestone for the Indonesian musical theater industry, offering unforgettable experiences and deep inspiration for audiences.
“Musical Kapan Nikah: Extended was born from the concerns many people face regarding a seemingly simple question, yet loaded with pressures from family, society, and within oneself. Through this musical, we hope every viewer gains new understanding, fresh hope, and the strength to reconcile with themselves, family, and life’s journey. Different from the previous version, this musical features a new plot, extended songs, and fresher musical arrangements,” said Kevin Aldrian, producer from Jaksical.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The Ministry of Creative Economy remains committed to supporting the performing arts subsector, resonating with the creativity and innovation of talented Indonesians. Festival Musikal Indonesia, organized by Eksotika Karmawibhangga Indonesia (EKI) Foundation in collaboration with Indonesia Kaya, aims to strengthen the Indonesian musical ecosystem, foster collaboration and mutual learning, and serve as a laboratory for nurturing young talent, both onstage and behind the scenes.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
