Indonesian Govt Gives Awards to Inspiring Musicians

Jakarta Globe, Elvira Anna Siahaan, May 18, 2013

Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, far right, poses with Musical
 Dedication Award winners, including Java Jazz Festival promoter Peter F. Gontha
 in Jakarta on Friday night. The award, in its first year, will become an annual
fixture. (SP Photo/Joanito De Saojoao)

The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry on Friday presented awards to five people deemed to have greatly influenced the country’s musical industry.

The Musical Dedication Award (Karya Bhakti Musik), the first of its kind in Indonesia, was presented by the minister, Mari Elka Pangestu to contemporary music composer Slamet Abdul Syukur, songwriter Heins Enteng Tanamal, keroncong singer Waldjinah, jazz musician and promoter Peter F. Gontha, and folk singer Iwan Fals.

Mari said she hoped the award could be given annually to inspiring musicians across all genres.

The award was established to appreciate creative figures in the music industry and encourage other artists to strive for excellence and innovation.

“This award is presented in line with our plan to celebrate National Music Day, which fell on March 9. To me, music is a very promising creative industry. Therefore, the ministry will contribute by handing out awards each year,” Mari said during the ceremony.

The judging process for the Award has been underway since March. Initially, it was to be presented on National Music Day, but a very competitive field made choosing winners difficult.

The judging panel consisted of representatives from the ministry and the Indonesia Association of Singers, Songwriters, and Composers.

After much debate, award categories were selected in the contemporary music figure, producer and intellectual rights advocate, international festival producer, legendary keroncong singer, and ballad singer-songwriter fields.

Peter, who is also the publisher of the Jakarta Globe, said that he was surprised to have won the award.

He said he appreciated the recognition and commended the government for celebrating Indonesia’s vibrant music scene.

The Java Jazz promoter hoped the award would encourage people in the music industry to be even more creative.

“The Java Jazz Festival has finally received domestic acknowledgement,” Peter said.

“The festival started as a hobby, but at the same time I wanted to show that Indonesia is safe. To my surprise, the festival has become the third most-viewed live stream on YouTube.”

Mari said in future, young musicians would also receive achievement awards, in line with the ministry’s belief in fostering new talent.