RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian Ministry of Creative Economy (Kemenekraf) continues to promote strengthening international collaboration through music festivals as a gateway for Indonesian talent to enter the global market.

Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar conveyed this message during a meeting with Sang Juara Project Limited at Autograph Tower in Jakarta on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The meeting focused on strategic collaboration opportunities to increase the exposure of Indonesian talent and music in the international market, particularly in Hong Kong.

Irene welcomed the initiative of a music festival integrated with a cross-border digital promotion strategy, emphasizing its alignment with the Creative Acceleration (AKTIF) Music program, which encourages community-based international collaboration.

"The Ministry of Creative Economy is ready to help introduce Indonesian musical talent reach the global stage through digital promotional collaborations and network strengthening. A consolidate international event calendar would help," said Irene, as quoted from the ministry's official website.

The discussion stressed the importance of data, talent, and integrated promotion to ensure Indonesian music reaches the global market. It also covered international audience trends and favored genres, emphasizing how Indonesia's global festival presence can boost exports.

Irene emphasized the importance of providing space for new talent through showcases, open mics, and community activations to ensure the sustainable growth of the music ecosystem.

Sang Juara Project Limited is a Hong Kong-based event organizer and music production company that started as a community of talented Indonesian singers. Active since December 1, 2021, it officially registered as a company on April 23, 2024.

"From a community for the community, Sang Juara has brought local artists to introduce their work to Hong Kong. In early February, we hosted NDX A.K.A. and DJ Panda, drawing a crowd of 7,000 people in one day. We also organized Ambyar Music Fest 2025, which featured Denny Caknan, and drew a crowd of 14,000 people. Our target audience was Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong," explained Event Manager Kevin Hans Periatna.

They plan to present religious musicians such as AA Hilman and Haddad Alwi on April 26, 2026, targeting Hong Kong's religious community, which includes around 140 religious study groups.

"There are around 140 majelis taklim (Islamic study groups) in Hong Kong, so we provide a platform for them to showcase religious music. We hope to bring Indonesian religious music to the international stage," said Kevin Frans Periatna.

The meeting also discussed securing support from embassies or consulates for events and creative monetization strategies for musicians to boost fan engagement and revenue. A community-based approach is considered essential for successfully penetrating the Indonesian diaspora market and paving the way for Indonesian music on the international stage. ***