Jakarta - The success of hit Indonesian film Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Fighters) has sparked discussion in the creative industries, and the government, into how local culture and creativity can come together to create successful, high quality products.
Directed by Riri Riza and produced by Mira Lesmana, the movie drew over 4 million viewers in three months and has become a source of inspiration for young creative minds meeting for the three-day national congress on culture in Bogor on Wednesday.
"This movie has demonstrated how we can dig up our own culture to create a beautiful and also marketable product. Talking about culture means talking about current and future issues, not only about the past," head of the congress committee Mukhlis Paeni told press in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He said at the event, held every five years by the culture and tourism ministry, Laskar Pelangi would be a key point of discussion. The meet also aims to create better policies on arts and culture and enhance the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR).
The last national congress on culture was held in Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatra, in 2003.
The ministry‘s Director general for cultural values, art and film Tjetjep Suparman said IPR would be a contentious topic this year as piracy has become so widespread in the country. Indonesian cultural products and traditional arts have been targeted by international piracy in recent years.
"Malaysia‘s current claim on aspects of our heritage has warned us that we should do something to protect our cultural products," he said.
Around 500 artists and participants from the movie and art industries, Tjetjep said, as well as academics and policy makers would meet to discuss various topics at the congress.
State Minister for People‘s Welfare Aburizal Bakrie is tipped to officially open the congress, which will be attended by prominent figures including cultural expert Mudji Sutrisno, film director and writer Arswendo Atmowiloto, film critic Laela S. Chudori and novelist Djenar Maesa Ayu.
Other noted figures include poets Taufik Ismail and Budi Darma, novelist Seno Gumira Adjidarma, artist Putu Wijaya, former education minister Wardiman Djojonegoro and Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu.
"We hope the congress comes up with some proposals and solutions to various cultural problems afflicting Indonesia, including how the country can better adapt to a fast-changing and globalized world," Mukhlis said. Abdul Khalik
Source:
http://www.thejakartapost.com (December 10, 2008)