Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar stressed the importance of sustainability in preserving the planet while maintaining Indonesia’s cultural and creative industries.
She also echoed President Prabowo Subianto’s call for collective responsibility to protect the Earth and one another, according to a press statement received here Thursday.
Running from September 27 to October 28, the festival highlights SDG 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production.
Talk shows and creative workshops discuss the role of museums in encouraging sustainable practices, including eco-friendly consumption.
UNIC Jakarta Director Miklos Gaspar said museums can revive long-standing environmentally friendly traditions, such as using banana leaves as food wrappers.
He noted that SDG 12 emphasizes everyday choices on consumption, production, and waste management.
Museums and public spaces, he added, can serve as platforms for dialogue and creative participation.
Executive Director of Indonesia Hidden Heritage Creative Hub Nofa Farida Lestari said storytelling can drive sustainable development.
The People and the City program involves 17 museums, heritage sites, and community spaces nationwide to reflect the 17 SDG goals.
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The inaugural festival in Jakarta drew 200 participants, from cultural heritage experts and officials to environmental activists and students.
Morning sessions focused on creativity, heritage, and sustainable consumption, while afternoon talks examined science, policy, and collective action.
After Jakarta, the festival will continue in Bandung, Palembang, Cirebon, Sumbawa, Kendari, and Ambon.
Each city will feature local activities such as workshops, storytelling circles, film screenings, exhibitions, and heritage tours, linked to SDGs on climate action, education, and gender equality.
UN agencies including UNEP, UNIDO, and IOM are also contributing.
With its cross-city format, the festival brings SDG conversations into public spaces to raise awareness, bridge generations, and connect heritage with the creative economy.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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