RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is preparing to launch the Festival Kesenian Indonesia 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s cultural and artistic ecosystem. The initiative was discussed during a strategic dialogue between Culture Minister, Fadli Zon, and the Rector of Institut Seni Indonesia Padangpanjang, Febri Yulika, in Jakarta, March 10, 2026.

The meeting took place at the office of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia in Senayan, Jakarta. The discussion focused on preparations for the national arts festival initiated by nine arts institutes across the country.

According to the minister, cultural festivals play a crucial role in strengthening the arts ecosystem while encouraging public appreciation of cultural heritage. “We fully support the Festival Kesenian Indonesia 2026 initiated by nine arts institutes in Indonesia,” he said.

He added that the ministry is open to collaboration in developing programs that promote creativity among younger generations. “The Ministry of Culture is ready to synergize in strengthening programs that encourage youth creativity and expand public appreciation for arts and culture,” Fadli noted.

The minister also proposed aligning the festival with several cultural programs under the ministry. One of them includes a workshop on randai, a traditional Minangkabau folk theater, which could be integrated with the National Talent Management program.

In addition, the cultural agenda could be linked to the upcoming commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Jam Gadang in West Sumatra. The event is expected to take place around June or July and serve as an opportunity to promote traditional arts on a broader stage.

Meanwhile, Rector Febri Yulika mentioned the Festival Kesenian Indonesia would serve as a platform for arts institutions to present works, exchange ideas, and foster artistic creation. “The festival is an arts platform with wide implications for the development of culture in Indonesia,” he said.

He added that the event could also contribute to strengthening the global reputation of Indonesian arts universities. “It will significantly contribute to building a positive image of arts higher education institutions at both national and international levels,” Febri said.