RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Vice Minister of Creative Economy/Vice Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, has expressed support for ALI Band's planned North American tour in September 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen the presence of Indonesian musicians in the international music market.

In a statement received in Jakarta on Friday, July 17, 2026, she conveyed her support during a meeting with ALI Band at the Ministry of Creative Economy's office in Jakarta. The meeting also discussed strategies to enhance the global competitiveness of Indonesian musicians.

Irene said ALI Band exemplifies Indonesian musical talent capable of showcasing the nation's identity through its original musical style. According to her, Indonesia's rich musical diversity provides a competitive advantage and a unique selling point in the global music industry.

"The creative industry requires a strong identity and originality. ALI Band has demonstrated that Indonesian musicians possess a unique selling point on the global stage. This should inspire many other Indonesian musicians," she said.

She also emphasized the importance of building a healthier music business model so that musicians do not rely solely on festivals but can generate sustainable income through multiple distribution channels, fan communities, and cross-sector collaborations. She added that the government needs to fully understand the challenges faced by musicians in order to develop more effective and targeted policies.

Meanwhile, ALI Band representatives said the group's blend of funk, disco, Middle Eastern soul, and various cultural influences has become its main attraction during performances across Europe, the United States, and Australia. This distinctive musical identity has been recognized by international promoters as offering a unique sound.

Formed in 2021, ALI Band consists of Arswandaru Cahyo, John Paul Patton, and Absar Lebah. The group also performed as part of the lineup at the 2024 Fuji Rock Festival.

Arswandaru Cahyo welcomed the Ministry of Creative Economy's support, saying the meeting provided an opportunity for musicians to share the challenges they face. He expressed hope that the government would continue to serve as a support system for Indonesian musicians, particularly in preparing for international tours and expanding their presence in the global music industry.