Bappenas and the Ministry of Education and Culture Prepare Talent Fest 2026, the Talent Ecosystem for Cultural Arts is Strengthened

JAKARTA - The Ministry of PPN/Bappenas together with the Ministry of Culture has begun preparing the 2026 Talent Fest in the field of cultural arts. This agenda is directed to strengthen the cultural arts talent ecosystem so that the training does not run on its own.

The Road to Talent Fest 2026 in the field of Arts and Culture was held at the Auditorium of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 5.

This forum carries the theme Strengthening the Talent Ecosystem, Towards Golden Indonesia 2045.

This activity is part of the implementation of National Talent Management or MTN. This program is designed to find, nurture, develop, and strengthen talent in a structured, measurable, and sustainable manner.

MTN covers the fields of research and innovation, arts and culture, and sports. Meanwhile, Talent Fest 2026 is prepared as a space for disseminating policies, showcasing works, exchanging good practices, strengthening networks, and expanding the recognition of talent at the national and global levels.

The Secretary of the Ministry of PPN and Head of Bappenas, Teni Widuriyanti, said that the MTN in the field of cultural arts is a strategic policy to build an integrated talent ecosystem.

According to Teni, cultural arts also need to be seen as a sector that has contributed to national development and economic growth.

"National Talent Management is present as a breakthrough policy so that the talent development process is no longer individual, sectoral, and partial, but more measurable, structured, integrated, and sustainable," said Teni.

"Cultural art is not only relevant in advancing culture, but also a strategic sector to increase Indonesian productivity and support economic growth," he said.

Director General of Development, Utilization, and Cultural Development of the Ministry of Culture, Ahmad Mahendra, emphasized the importance of continuity between data collection, coaching, work facilitation, capacity building, expanded access, and appreciation.

He said the MTN Seni Budaya was designed as a sustainable talent journey, not a separate program that stops at one activity.

"Through various stages, from nurseries, capacity development, facilitating work, to international recognition, we want to ensure that every talent has the opportunity to continue to grow and reach a wider access," said Mahendra.

Road to Talent Fest 2026 presents a number of talents trained by MTN. They performed in the Contemporary Betawi Traditional Dance by Niear Syahrani Putri and Salsabilla, the performance of Endah N Rhesa, and the collaboration of Endah N Rhesa with the macapat singer Tatik.

Sineas Khozy Rizal also shared his experience regarding the creative process, consistency in working, and efforts to bring the identity of Indonesian culture to a wider space.

The discussion session featured the Chairman of the Jakarta Arts Council and Founder of the Ciputat Theater Lab, Bambang Prihadi, musician and MTN Expert Team for Cultural Arts Aristofani Fahmi, and writer, novelist, and translator Dewi Kharisma Michellia.

The discussion discussed the continuity of coaching, the interconnectedness of cross-sector programs, the role of the community, and the expansion of talent access to learning spaces, production, appreciation, and professional networks.

The series of events also includes a painting workshop with the artist, curator, and visual art activist Zamrud Setya Negara.

Director of Religion, Culture, Youth, and Sports of the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas, Didik Darmanto, said that the Road to Talent Fest 2026 is part of the series leading up to the Talent Fest 2026. This agenda is also a momentum for the launch of the National Talent Management Talent Database or BDT-MTN.

"We hope that the implementation of the Road to Talent Fest 2026 in the field of Cultural Arts will be a momentum to strengthen collaboration, expand networks, and foster a shared commitment in the implementation of National Talent Management so that it can increase the recognition of Indonesian cultural arts talent at the global level," said Didik.