Partner South East Asia was a series of online forums by the British Council providing participants with a better understanding and knowledge of the arts and culture ecosystems of SEA countries. 

The Indonesia session started with an overview of the Indonesia’s arts, culture and creative economy, as well as insights from the British Council’s research Festivals in South East Asia: Catalysts for the Creative Economy and Indonesia Cultural Cities profiles. 

Camelia Harahap, Head of Arts Indonesia, British Council, emceed the session. Hugh Moffatt, Country Director Indonesia & South East Asia Cluster Lead, British Council, opened the session. 

The market insights were presented by Linda Hoemar Abidin from Koalisi Seni, and researchers Tom Fleming, Felencia Hutabarat and Tita Larasati.

The panel discussion featured three artists and artistic directors with creative relationships between the UK and Indonesia. Adam Pushkin, a freelance producer and director, led the conversation titled Indonesia – The Art of ‘Nongkrong.’ They spoke about the benefits of collaboration and how the UK and Indonesia can learn from each other.  

Speakers:

  • Sarah Archdeacon, Artistic Director, Corali Dance Company, UK
  • Tom Fleming, Tom Fleming Creative Consultancy, UK
  • Linda Hoemar Abidin, Treasurer, Executive Board, Koalisi Seni (Indonesian Arts Coalition)
  • Camelia Harahap, Head of Arts Indonesia, British Council
  • Felencia Hutabarat, Co-founder, Jogja Festivals, Indonesia
  • Tita Larasati, Council Member, International Advisory Council for Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) & Deputy Strategic Partnership, Indonesia Creative Cities Network
  • Jack Lowe, Artistic Director/CEO/Technical Dramaturg, curious directive, UK
  • Hana Madness, Visual Artist, Indonesia
  • Hugh Moffatt, Country Director Indonesia and South East Asia Cluster Lead, British Council

Highlights in Indonesia:

  • Nongkrong means ‘hanging out’ in English. It is an integral part of networking and collaboration in Indonesia, as well as part of the creative process.  
  • This session provided the Indonesian market context and insights into its arts and culture sector. 
  • A new generation of creative city-making is redefining approaches to creativity and urbanism.
  • Festivals bring people together and is a catalysing force for a city’s cultural life. They’re platforms for people to express themselves, and they contribute to economic and social development.