Minister hails Batak Opera as driver of creative economy

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Creative Economy and Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) Teuku Riefky Harsya has praised the Tona Sian Huta opera and music concert, saying the event could help preserve Batak culture while creating new sources of economic growth for local communities.

Riefky said countries with strong cultural roots have the potential to develop their creative industries, tourism, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which can ultimately contribute to national economic growth when managed through innovative and sustainable approaches.

“Culture is one of Indonesia’s greatest strengths. When culture is properly managed, creatively presented, and introduced to younger generations, it can become a source of inspiration, pride, and economic growth,” Riefky said in a statement received in Jakarta on Sunday.

He said the Tona Sian Huta performance represented one of Indonesia’s major cultural strengths, serving not only as part of the nation’s identity but also as an opportunity to expand the creative economy in the Batak region of North Sumatra.

By combining performing arts, music, cultural heritage, and creativity on a single stage, the event brings together talents, intellectual property, and business opportunities to create a creative ecosystem capable of generating jobs and stimulating regional economic growth.

The minister said the event is in line with the newly enacted Presidential Regulation on the 2026–2045 Creative Economy Master Plan (Rencana Induk Ekonomi Kreatif/Rindekraf).

The participation of artists, musicians, craft entrepreneurs, culinary businesses, event organizers, and other supporting sectors demonstrates how collaboration can transform cultural potential into greater economic value.

“We hope this event will continue to serve as a platform for collaboration, strengthen cultural preservation, and create more opportunities for the development of performing arts, music, fashion, culinary, MSMEs, tourism, and Indonesia’s creative economy sectors. We invite all communities to work together to further develop the creative economy through strong collaboration,” Riefky said.

The Tona Sian Huta event was held at the Jetun Silangit Building in North Tapanuli, North Sumatra. The name of Tona Sian Huta, which means “message from the hometown,” reflects the event’s mission to reconnect communities with their cultural roots.

The event featured stand-up comedian Joel Purba, performances by 27 opera talents, and appearances from 30 local and national musicians, including Maria Simorangkir, Victor Hutabarat, Style Voice, and other performers.

The celebration of local wisdom was also reflected through the participation of 50 MSMEs, which showcased creative products from various subsectors, including culinary, crafts, and fashion.

“Batak Opera is a highly valuable cultural asset. Through Tona Sian Huta, we aim to revive Batak cultural heritage while making culture, the creative economy, tourism, and MSMEs into an integrated ecosystem that can improve the welfare of communities around Lake Toba,” said Lamhot Sinaga, Deputy Chairman of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) and the event’s initiator.

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Translator: Fitra, Azis Kurmala

Editor: Bayu Prasetyo

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