We will continue to innovate, adapt, and collaborate.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry intends to open room for collaboration to bolster business and employment opportunities for artists.

The ministry plans to organize a hybrid Cultural Feast after the emergency community activity restriction (PPKM) ends.

“We will find a way to hold this event with strict and disciplined adherence to health protocols,” Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno stated on Thursday.

"We will continue to innovate, adapt, and collaborate," he affirmed.

This global pandemic has directly impacted artists and other art workers. The restriction on public activities had direly impacted their creative space and livelihoods, as experienced by the artists grouped in the Forum of the Caring Artists (FSP) for Taman Ismail Marzuki.

The coordinator of FSP for Taman Ismail Marzuki Exan Zen, during a virtual dialog with the minister on Wednesday (July 14), conveyed that 17 members had died since the pandemic struck.


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"Perhaps the heavy pressure caused by this pandemic and their inactivity made their long-term illnesses relapse," he stated.

Despite the tough situation, he remains thankful for the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry’s attention in the form of meal aid distributed at the cultural center last year.

Uno encouraged artists to remain enthusiastic and optimistic during this pandemic. Artists hold an important place in society. Their varied works of art, comprising poetry, rhymes, and songs, boost immunity through the release of several hormones.

One of the hormones is endorphin, a pain-relieving hormone produced by the human body. This hormone is produced in a calm state and can offer positive energy to humans.

Other hormones are serotonin and oxytocin. Serotonin helps in maintaining a happier mood, while oxytocin, called the love hormone, is produced when people share stories.


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Translator: Uyu Septiyati Liman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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