Sandiaga Uno Talks of Dangdut Going International in South Korea

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno claimed that not only do Indonesians like South Korean culture, such as K-pop, but South Koreans also like Indonesian culture or I-pop.

“Many Indonesians indeed love Korean pop music. But I have viewed footage of volleyball matches in South Korea where many of their people played dangdut songs,” Sandiaga said at the Korea-Indonesia Economic Cooperation Forum during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations at Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jakarta on Thursday, November 30, 2023.

In this regard, he believed that the partnership between Seoul and Jakarta needs to be optimized in terms of culture, stressing the importance of cultural exchanges.

He mentioned a famous Indonesian celebrity, Raffi Ahmad, who has started to support cultural exchanges. “The digital age opens doors, new opportunities, for new figures like Raffi Ahmad. I can imagine that Rans [Raffi’s entertainment agency] can be like SM Entertainment, and he [Raffi] will become a billionaire,” Sandiaga said.

The minister hoped that Raffi could be even more successful on the international stage. “His level continues to rise because he has the advantage of being a talent who understands what the market needs digitally,” he added.

In addition to cultural exchanges, the Ministry of Tourism would also promote incentives. Bilateral relations with South Korea, especially in tourism and creative industries, would also be further developed.

“We believe that this cultural exchange program and incentives are necessary. This collaboration has great potential and I dream of our joint commitment to realize Golden Indonesia in 2045, of course through cooperation with South Korea,” Sandiaga Uno pinned hope.

YOHANES MAHARSO JOHARSOYO

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