Cross-border collaboration boosts fine arts competitiveness: Minister

hartono · Jul 30, 2025

German painter, Christopher Lehmpfuhl, paints the National Monument (Monas) from the 23rd floor of Jakarta City Hall, on July 29, 2025. (ANTARA/HO-Ministry of Creative Economy)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya stated that collaboration between the government and international painting communities can build a more competitive fine arts sector.

"This activity not only demonstrates the power of art as a medium of expression but also represents a concrete form of collaboration between international painters and local artists," Harsya noted in a press statement received here on Wednesday.

Harsya, who attended the painting of German painter Christopher Lehmpfuhl at the National Monument (Monas), described the event as a symbol of cross-border creative collaboration that brings together international and local artists.

He also emphasized the government's support for fine arts sub-sectors, particularly painting, as part of efforts to strengthen the national creative ecosystem, which holds significant potential to drive economic growth through job creation, strengthening cultural identity, and increasing the added value of creative products.

"Painting is not only an aesthetic expression but also an economic instrument that can elevate Indonesia's image globally," he remarked.

Christopher's painting of the National Monument is part of an art project that will take him to various regions in Indonesia to capture its cultural richness through his works.

In each region he visits, Christopher will collaborate with Indonesian painters, creating creative educational spaces and expanding artist networks across regions.

Through strategic programs and cross-sector partnerships like this, the visual arts are expected to help drive an inclusive and sustainable national economic transformation.