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Artists meet Jokowi: He promises eternal funds to support art, culture
The eternal-fund scheme may reach trillions of rupiah
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President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo meets with artists from across Indonesia at the National Gallery of Indonesia in Jakarta. (Antara/Widodo S. Jusuf)
P
resident Joko “Jokowi” Widodo promised to allocate eternal funds to support the development of the country’s arts and creative industry in next year’s state budget, Indonesian musicians and celebrities said after a meeting with the country’s leader, recently.
Around 100 artists and public figures, who supported the incumbent’s successful reelection bid in April, attended a gathering hosted by Jokowi at Bogor Palace on Wednesday, during which the President conveyed his plan.
“The allocation of such eternal funds [for cultural purposes] will start next year,” said musician and producer Yovie Widianto, “We welcome the plan because it can bolster Indonesia’s creative [industry].”
Yovie, who is also a member of legendary pop band Kahitna, however, said that they had yet to discuss the details related to the management or the source of the eternal funds.
Meanwhile, seasoned presenter M. Farhan said the budget for cultural purposes allocated under the eternal-fund scheme may reach trillions of rupiah, although he declined to elaborate on the details when asked about the exact amount.
“The amount of eternal funds is quite huge because it is for educational purposes; that was the President’s message,” Farhan said, adding that he hoped the management of the fund in the future would be transparent and accountable.
Other artists and public figures who attended the gathering were singer-songwriter Oppie Andaresta, singer Marcell Siahaan, presenter Charles Bonar Sirait, actress-singer Sherina Munaf and actress Chacha Frederica. (afr)
