JAKARTA - The identity and character of Jakarta's young generation continue to be strengthened through various cultural arts activities, including holding "Gemilang Jakarta" at the East Plaza of Gelora Bung Karno (GBK), Senayan, Jakarta, on Saturday.

Head of the DKI Jakarta Cultural Department, Iwan Henry Wardhana, said that Gemilang Jakarta, commemorating Youth Pledge Day, seeks to present opportunities for youth to collaborate in art activities. It also expresses love for Jakarta's culture.

"Gemilang Jakarta involves the dominance of young people to elevate the dignity of the people of Jakarta. The goal is to increase the confidence of the youth," said Iwan.

In addition to Gemilang Jakarta, the Jakarta Cultural Department will hold various other crocodile art activities at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM). "We are currently preparing for the Jakarta Theater Festival. Hopefully, cultural arts activists will see the potential of theater artists and come to TIM to see firsthand," said Iwan.

With these various activities, the Cultural Department also wants to invite the people of Jakarta to be ready and not worry about the status of the National Capital. According to him, Jakarta has the characteristics and character to compete as a global city. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with various parties.

For the Gemilang Jakarta event, the Jakarta Provincial Government collaborated with some famous musicians to fill the event, including Yeni Inka, Bebi Romeo, Titi DJ, ST12, and Adi MS. In addition, there is also an MSME bazaar and a folk music party with a laser light show.

"Cultural arts activities are one of the answers to encouraging the younger generation to come up with ideas and creations that elevate them to be more creative," Iwan said.

Meanwhile, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) organized a Contemporary Art Gallery (CAG) exhibition featuring the works of young artists in commemoration of Youth Pledge Day. TMII President Director Claudia Ingkiriwang allowed young artists to express themselves by painting together and exhibiting their best work in TMII's CAG exhibition room.

"We provide a platform for young people who want to create art but still have limited space for expression," Claudia said when opening the art exhibition themed "Mudaku" and "Lang-lang Hayat" at CAGTMII, East Jakarta, on Saturday.

This is where young artists can showcase their best work. "We will continue to encourage young people not to be discouraged in expressing themselves," she said.

According to him, the youth are essential to developing contemporary art. "The birth of Indonesian contemporary art cannot be separated from the movement of young artists who criticized established and elitist artists," he said. Coinciding with Youth Pledge Day, CAGTMII took a new step by holding "The Kickoff Contemporary Art Gallery" TMII, which began with "live painting."

The "live painting" was participated in by 100 young artists as a form of expression. "It is not easy to be a young version of oneself in the social environment," he said.

"Their paintings became a medium to convey positive messages to the public about the problems and hopes of today's youth," Claudia said. CAG TMII will continue to provide space for young artists in Indonesia, creators, and artists to celebrate

"TMII provides access and space for artists to express themselves together. In this exhibition, we present 100 young artists whose works we display, expressing their understanding of youth," he said. The exhibition, from October 28, 2023, to January 7, 2024, is free for TMII visitors.

"It is free of charge. This exhibition is given for visitors who want to see the work of young artists," he said.

Source: koran-jakarta.com