Nusantara Dance-Drama Ready to Take the Global Stage

RRI CO.ID, Jakarta- The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency, recognizes that sendratari (dance-drama) performances in Indonesia hold significant and sustainable economic potential. These performances serve not merely as stage art but also as prototypes for strategic regional Intellectual Property (IP).

Through a multiplier effect, sendratari productions simultaneously drive various creative sub-sectors—ranging from music, crafts and fashion, and makeup artistry to stage design, lighting, and multimedia. Furthermore, the sector empowers local culinary sub-sectors and creates opportunities to transform narratives into high-value derivative products, such as animation and games.

“Sendratari is no longer merely a conventional stage performance; it is a prototype for strategic regional Intellectual Property (IP) capable of simultaneously driving multiple creative economy sub-sectors through the multiplier effect,” Yuke Sri Rahayu, Deputy for Cultural Creativity and Design, said while attending the Sendratari Wanara Alas Roban performance in Batang Regency, Central Java, on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

To optimize this potential, the Ministry of Creative Economy provides comprehensive support—ranging from human resource capacity building and promotional facilitation to institutional backing—through the Indonesian Performing Arts Acceleration (SEJUKIN) program.

The program focuses on guiding studio governance, enhancing choreography, formulating artistic identities (branding), and improving stage management so that regional art communities can operate professionally and achieve financial independence.

In addition to capacity building, the Ministry facilitates publicity amplification through its official promotional networks and ensures the presence of Ministry leadership at various performing arts events. This presence aims to boost event credibility and expand opportunities for strategic partnerships with the private sector and investors.

Driven by original storytelling and the use of immersive technology, Indonesian dance-dramas are increasingly poised to break into international markets through optimized logistics, global intellectual property (IP) protection, and narrative refinement.

“With the originality of our folklore, profound philosophical values, and the integration of immersive technology with traditional cultural roots, our dance-dramas are fully prepared to step onto the global stage and serve as an authentic attraction for international audiences,” concluded Yuke Sri Rahayu.

According to a release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, that the Wanara Alas Roban dance-drama is a colossal artistic performance themed "Guardians of the Forest, Guardians of Civilization." The event is the result of a collaboration between the Batang Regency Government, the Central Java Provincial Government, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, the House of Representatives (DPR RI), the Batang Regency Creative Economy Committee, and local arts communities.

This initiative integrates performing arts, culture, and the creative economy into a flagship signature event on the national tourism calendar. Designed as a full-day festival, the event offers four distinct experiences: ethnic dance and music performances, an MSME festival, local culinary offerings, and a spectacular lighting show.

The event involves over 180 artists and more than 50 local MSMEs, aiming to integrate performing arts, tourism, and the creative economy.