Entertainment · Books & Arts · 17 hrs ago
Jakarta pledges more support for dance groups facing space and funding shortages
Dance artists in Jakarta have raised concerns about a shortage of rehearsal space and limited funding for their groups.
They also say dance needs purpose-built studios, not just general arts spaces.
A representative of the Padnecwara dance group stressed the need for both places to rehearse and stages to perform.
Researchers said many groups operate without a stable financial base.
They also said limited video archives and online portfolios make it harder to attract sponsors and reach younger audiences.
Jakarta’s culture department says it takes the concerns seriously and wants to improve support and facilities for dance artists.
The researchers called for practical measures, such as subsidies for rehearsal spaces or easier access to performance stages, but no specific policy or timeline was announced.
Jakarta’s cultural agency says it will pay more attention to and support the development of the arts ecosystem after hearing concerns from dance practitioners.
The concerns include a shortage of rehearsal space, limited operating funds for dance studios and challenges in renewing the field.
Dance representatives say studios need dedicated facilities, as well as reliable spaces for practice and performances.
Researchers say weak documentation and digital portfolios make it harder for studios to attract sponsors and reach younger audiences.
- Who
- Jakarta’s Cultural Affairs Agency and dance practitioners, including representatives of ASETI and the Padnecwara dance group.
- What
- The agency pledged more attention and support for the arts ecosystem amid concerns about space, funding and facilities.
- When
- The agency received the practitioners’ concerns in September. Its statement was reported on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Jakarta, including a discussion at Taman Ismail Marzuki.
- Why
- Dance practitioners raised concerns about rehearsal space, studio operating funds, performance facilities and digital documentation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
At present, the Jakarta Provincial Cultural Affairs Agency is still focused on traditional arts, but we realize that other arts must also continue to receive attention and support.
Do dance artists generally only need a 'space', so that the studio in question could be a performing arts studio used by all arts practitioners? Or do we specifically need a space, namely a dance studio?
We hope that whatever policy is decided, whether it is a regulation subsidizing rehearsal spaces or easier access to performance stages, it will be a real decision that provides sustainable benefits for Jakarta’s dance ecosystem.
Jakarta’s Cultural Affairs Agency received concerns from dance practitioners.
Agency official Arista Nurbaya said the concerns were a serious matter for the Jakarta government.
- Agency
- Jakarta Cultural Affairs Agency
- Concern raised
- Shortage of rehearsal space
- Funding issue
- Limited operating funds for dance studios
- Discussion venue
- Taman Ismail Marzuki
- Groups represented
- ASETI and Padnecwara
Sources
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