RRI.CO.ID, Depok - Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, officially launched the 2026 Gita Bahana Nusantara (GBN), a national music talent development program that brings together outstanding young musicians from across Indonesia to promote unity through music and culture. The opening ceremony took place at Kinasih Resort and Convention in Depok, West Java, on Monday, 3 August 2026 as part of the Ministry of Culture’s strategic efforts to strengthen the national music ecosystem.

Fadli congratulated the selected participants, who represent 30 provinces across Indonesia after completing a competitive selection process. He described Gita Bahana Nusantara as an important opportunity for young artists to develop their talents and prepare for future careers in music.

“Congratulations and my highest appreciation to all participants who have gone through a long journey to reach this stage. GBN is a stepping stone that can be used to further develop your potential,” he said.

The minister also encouraged participants to make the most of the training period by building connections with fellow musicians from different regions. “The essence of this program is networking. Build strong relationships during the training period and use this opportunity to develop your talents, produce your best work, and become individuals with both professional skills and strong character,” he said.

A total of 183 participants, comprising 120 choir singers from 30 provinces and 63 orchestra musicians selected through a national audition, will undergo intensive training before performing at the Independence Concert and the 81st Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence celebrations at the Merdeka Palace. The performances are expected to showcase the country's cultural diversity through music on one of Indonesia’s most important national occasions.

Fadli said Gita Bahana Nusantara reflects Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity and demonstrates how differences can serve as a source of national strength. “The participants come from diverse backgrounds, showing that Indonesia is a megadiverse nation where diversity becomes a unifying force rather than a threat, in line with Article 32 Paragraph 1 of the 1945 Constitution,” he said.

Director of Human Resources, Cultural Institutions, and Cultural Infrastructure at the Ministry of Culture, Syukur Asih Suprodjo, said Gita Bahana Nusantara is more than a choir and orchestra program. “GBN is a harmonious representation of Indonesia’s cultural richness and diversity. It is Indonesia expressed through voices,” he said.

Beyond musical training, participants will receive character-building, discipline, civic education, and cultural values to prepare them as accomplished young Indonesians with a strong national identity. The program will conclude with performances at the Independence Concert and the 81st Independence Day Ceremony at the Merdeka Palace, symbolizing unity through music and culture while showcasing Indonesia’s diversity to the world.