JAKARTA – Irene Umar, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, has called for body art to be celebrated as a powerful channel for cultural storytelling, debating that traditional practices like Mentawai tattooing can inspire films, books, and other creative works on a global stage.
“This kind of storytelling can be developed into films, books, and other creative works so that Indonesia becomes increasingly known as a center of brand and creativity,” said Irene Umar, Deputy Minister of Creative Economy.
Festival Merges Tattoos, Motorcycles, and Art
The upcoming Inkverse Fest (May 30–31, South Jakarta) embodies this vision.
Under the theme “Where Ink Becomes Identity,” the event brings together tattoo artists, global motorcycle brands like Harley-Davidson, photographers, and storytellers.
Project Director Nofian Hendra highlighted that ink connects all visual art forms—from tattoos to vehicle decals.
Protecting Creative Works
The Ministry is also exploring collaborations to educate body artists on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), helping them protect their works and strengthen the economic value of Indonesia’s creative economy.
Source: ANTARA News
Feat Image: rri.co.id