RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture is preparing a roadmap to strengthen the music ecosystem in Eastern Indonesia as part of a broader effort to elevate regional music on the national and global stage. The initiative was discussed during a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) held in Jakarta, Tuesday, 27 January 2026.

Eastern Indonesia has long been recognized as a region rich in musical talent, producing works deeply rooted in local traditions. In recent years, music from the eastern provinces has increasingly gained national and international attention, highlighting its potential contribution to Indonesia’s cultural identity and creative economy.

Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, described the growing popularity of Eastern Indonesian music as a positive signal for the country’s music industry. He pointed to the viral success of regional songs as evidence that local cultural expressions can cross regional and generational boundaries.

“Many songs from Eastern Indonesia have gone viral, and this is a phenomenon that deserves appreciation,” he said during the discussion.

According to Fadli Zon, the global appeal of Eastern Indonesian music reflects Indonesia’s vast cultural diversity. He affirmed that the country’s rich artistic traditions provide strong foundations for creating distinctive and competitive musical works that resonate beyond national borders.

As part of its concrete commitment, the Ministry of Culture continues to strengthen the national music ecosystem through various programs, including the Indonesia Music Conference. The program offers platforms for discussion, exhibitions, seminars, and music markets aimed at expanding collaboration and market access for Indonesian musicians, particularly those from Eastern regions.

Beyond music, the government is also encouraging the development of musical theatre as part of Indonesia’s culture-based creative industries. Fadli Zon expressed hope that musicians from Eastern Indonesia would gain greater exposure internationally, not only within Indonesia but also on global stages.

Meanwhile, Vice Minister of Culture, Giring Ganesha, stated that music is a top priority in strengthening Indonesia’s cultural ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of listening directly to musicians’ experiences and aspirations. “We want to hear firsthand input from musicians and record it as material for future policy formulation,” he said at the forum.

Through this participatory FGD, the Ministry of Culture aims to produce a comprehensive roadmap for the development of Eastern Indonesia’s music ecosystem. The roadmap is expected to address existing challenges, capture local potential, and enhance the global competitiveness of Eastern Indonesian music as a vital part of Indonesia’s cultural and creative economy.