Indonesia’s Lokananta relaunches itself as creative hub for musicians

Surakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s state-owned record label Lokananta relaunched itself as a creative and commercial hub for local and international musicians following the revitalization of its facilities.

Lokananta’s President Director Wendi Putranto stated that by becoming a creative hub, the company embarks on a new approach to diversifying its business outside the recording and vinyl record business.

“Beyond a recording company, (Lokananta) will also play its role in placemaking, as a creative and commercial hub, and to empower MSMEs. We will also organize regular musical and art shows in Lokananta to preserve Indonesian arts,” Putranto stated here on Friday.

He noted that last May, the company had invited and met 40 creative communities in Surakarta to participate in events at Lokananta.

“Lokananta is not only Surakarta residents’ asset but is also a national asset. We will also invite communities from Jakarta, and there will be a lot of programs and events at Lokananta,” Putranto expounded.

Meanwhile, President Director of State-Owned Holding Company Danareksa Yadi Jaya Ruchandi said that the revitalization of Lokananta showed the determination of the Ministry of State-owned Enterprises and Surakarta municipal authority to restore the company to its glory.

“Lokananta had been one of the largest vinyl record producers in Asia, and thousands of products had been made by Lokananta,” he remarked.

Following its revitalization, Lokananta will relaunch itself through the Lokananta Festival event on May 3-4 during which 21 performers from various eras will participate, he stated.

Moreover, Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka lauded the completion of Lokananta’s revitalization and expressed commitment to supporting the company.

“We will push our efforts to liven (Lokananta) up, and the musicians can also pour out their ideas here,” Raka remarked.

Lokananta, currently a subsidiary of state printing company Perum Percetakan Nasional RI (PNRI), was established in 1956. The company holds thousands of recordings of historical importance as well as traditional and commercial music.

The company plunged into decline, as the trend of physical records faded. However, efforts have been made to support the company to ensure its survival as part of national history.