According to him, art exhibitions that feature innovation and creativity in works like paintings are vital in bolstering the creative economy ecosystem in Indonesia.
"Art exhibitions do not only showcase aesthetics, but are also an effort to strengthen economic value," he said at the "Art for Peace and A Better Future" art exhibition in Jakarta on Saturday (September 6).
He expressed optimism that the art exhibition ecosystem in the country will continuously be strengthened as an instrument of cultural diplomacy and a driving force of economic growth.
According to him, art exhibitions are a manifestation of a creative, innovative, inclusive, and collaborative economy.
"I believe that if the ecosystem continues to be strengthened, Indonesia can become an influential fine arts hub in the region, even in the world," the minister remarked.
On that occasion, the minister lauded former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and artists under the SBY Art Community for organizing the "Art for Peace and A Better Future" art exhibition, which is held from September 6 to October 5, 2025.
The exhibition, held in South Jakarta's Ashta District 8, showcases 31 paintings that explore the themes of peace, sustainability, and hope across generations.
It involves the collaboration of 21 artists, including former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, academicians from Indonesia Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta, Indonesia Institute of the Arts Surakarta, Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), and Jakarta Institute of the Arts (IKJ), and four professional painters.
"Let us make painting a medium to strengthen peace and preserve sustainability that can nurture hope across generations, as well as a driving force for Indonesia's creative economy towards a better future," Minister Harsya said.
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Translator: Sri Dewi, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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