Dialogue In Boyolali, Puan Affirms Support For Artist Progress

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani (Dok DPR Photo)

JAKARTA - The chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, had a dialogue with artists during a working visit to Boyolali, Central Java. On that occasion, she said that the work of the artists often voiced the conscience of the people.

Puan's dialogue activity with the artist community consisting of mixed artists, puppeteers and dancers was held at Indrokilo Botanical Gardens, Boyolali Regency, Central Java on Sunday, December 3.

Before carrying out the dialogue, Puan also took the time to plant trees in Indrokilo Botanical Gardens as a symbol of concern for climate change which became a global challenge.

Puan said artists are pillars of the sustainability of creativity and cultural heritage where artists are considered to play a crucial role in forming a competitive and cultured society. For that, according to him, it is important to support every work of the artist.

"Through the work of the artists, we become more colorful in life. Artists can make humans smile, laugh, be sad, cry, be angry and happy," said Puan, in front of the artists.

Furthermore, the first woman to serve as Chair of the DPR RI revealed that not a few works by artists are a representation of anxiety in society. Puan also supports the progress of the artists.

"The work of artists often voice people's conscience so that more people are heard, seen, and felt by more people," said the legislator from the Central Java V electoral district.

As the times become increasingly modern, traditional arts and culture are said to almost continue to erode. Not even a few young people today seem to care about the importance of art and culture for future generations.

"So I think artists in Indonesia like ladies and gentlemen should be supported, it can't be," said Puan to the applause of the artists.

Puan then told me when she was little that she also practiced dancing Java. According to him, dedication is needed in every exercise that will strengthen the mentality of dancers on stage.

"I myself was told to learn Javanese dance when I was little, so sometimes I still remember that the training was not easy, there had to be dedication, I had to be patient, I had to be patient so I could dance well," said Puan.

Therefore, Puan really appreciates and supports her artists and works.

"Supporting artists is to support the preservation of Indonesian culture in supporting the strengthening of the Indonesian nation which has a personality in culture," explained the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

On this occasion, Puan invited two ketoprak artists to get on the podium, namely Yati and Pak Popong. He asked about their needs to support training.

"Mr. Yati and Mr. Popong, when there is a ketoprak exercise, is there still something missing and or needs to be added?" asked Puan.

"We ketoprak arts feel the need for art buildings for stage and gamelan assistance. So that our training and performance can be more entertaining for those present," replied Pak Popong.

"We are also honored to be able to meet Mbak Puan. Moreover, we know that Mbak Puan supports us so we are getting more and more excited," said Yati.

Puan stated that she would channel the aspirations of the artists to the Government, and try to facilitate their needs.

On that occasion, Puan also distributed assistance worth Rp. 100 million for 20 groups of artists and 1,000 basic food packages as support for the legislative council in developing traditional arts.