Mitra Seni Indonesia (MSI) is holding an Arts Festival and Bazaar (FSB) at the Indonesian Banking Development Institute (LPPI) Kemang Building, South Jakarta, from 27 to 30, 2024. The event is held to celebrate Jakarta's 497th anniversary, National Children's Day, and to welcome National Kebaya Day.

This is one means of raising Indonesia's name and introducing it widely

The event, which showcased the diversity of Indonesian cultural arts and MSME products, was opened by Jakarta Culture Agency Head, Iwan Hendri Wardhana.

Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, appreciated this Arts Festival and Bazaar. It could be an opportunity to introduce arts and culture, as well as support the preservation of national culture.

"This is one means of raising Indonesia's name and introducing it widely. Similar activities must be held frequently to mobilize communities in Indonesia. In this way, MSI can become a driver of arts and culture," he expressed, Thursday (6/27).

Mitra Seni Indonesia Chairwoman, Sari Ramdani explained it is the third time it has been held featuring various Indonesian arts ranging from traditional Kolintang music, angklung, and even Kolintang maestros. It also included talks about arts and culture with competent speakers.

She went on to say that various innovations and creativity produced by creative industry players require a platform to express their work, one of which is through exhibitions and bazaars. This festival could encourage creative economy actors to synergize with cultural actors.

“Art is universal. Works of art can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of race, language, country, or differences. Through art and culture, we can be united," she continued.

Jakarta Culture Agency Head, Iwan Henry Wardhana uttered there were about 80 MSMEs who participated in the event. They also displayed the creative work of MSI members in the fields of arts and crafts to culinary arts, including holding a talkshow with competent speakers.

Cultural activist, Iwan Ramadhan would also present in a talk about interpreting Indonesia through works of art.

"It takes four days, highlighting Betawi Culture enlivened by Gambang Kromong on the first day and Javanese, South Sulawesi, and other Indonesian cultures on the following day," he added.

It also invited 50 children with Down syndrome to participate in arts activities. They would play angklung, sing, and ondel-ondel dance to unite them with art.

"To welcome National Kebaya Day, MSI is also ready to welcome this activity by holding a talk show with the Kowani Management and holding a Kebaya Parade, all of which will be held at FSB 2024," he stated.