SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Telkomsel and BNI, in collaboration with Simon Fuller, creator of the global television show American Idol, launched the Academy of Pop (AOP) talent search program in Indonesia on Friday (September 20, 2024) at the Langham, Jakarta. This collaboration aims to promote the local creative industry on a global scale.

The Academy of Pop represents a strategic step in positioning Indonesia as the first global Pop Idol hub in Southeast Asia. Moreover, Indonesia has significant potential to become a center for global creativity.

This is a new opportunity for Indonesia, a country rich in diverse ethnicities and cultures. The Academy of Pop will serve as a stage where Indonesian culture and talent can gain international recognition. 

AOP founder Simon Fuller, who played a crucial role in the success of American Idol, Spice Girls, and Abba Voyage, will lead a team of industry experts to inspire and guide Indonesia's younger generation toward global success.

Simon believes that Indonesia has great potential for the development of the creative industry in the future. Indonesia will become a hub for artists and performers from around the world, producing new stars who will elevate the nation’s name on the international stage. 

"Indonesia is a country rich in young talent and creative aspirations. Together with our partners like Telkomsel and BNI, we are confident that we will discover and showcase amazing talents from Indonesia to the world," said Fuller.

In this pre-launch phase, Telkomsel, as the largest digital telecommunications company in Indonesia, will support the digital casting process conducted by AOP through their audition app. The official launch of the AOP program is scheduled for next year. This support from state-owned enterprises will leverage digital technology to reach talents from all corners of Indonesia.

Telkomsel's Marketing Director, Derrick Heng, stated, “Telkomsel is proud to be part of the Academy of Pop, an initiative to discover and nurture creative talents across Indonesia. As the leading digital telecommunications company in Indonesia, with a spirit of driving progress and empowering society, aligned with our company's vision, we are committed to advancing the national creative industry by leveraging our technological capabilities and leading ecosystem assets, including MyTelkomsel Super App, IndiHome TV, and MAXStream Studios.

"With our extensive reach and inspired by the spirit of Indonesia, we are ready to provide access to every Indonesian talent from Sabang to Merauke to showcase their skills on the global stage. Together with BNI and Simon Fuller, we are confident that this initiative will elevate Indonesia's standing on the world stage.”

In line with Telkomsel, BNI, which has been mandated by the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (KBUMN) to become Indonesia’s Go Global bank, continues to collaborate with various parties, including the government and private sector, to pave the way for Indonesia's creative industry players to gain global recognition through their achievements. BNI supports the launch of the AOP talent search program, which will serve as a platform for young Indonesian talents to showcase their skills and passions. This also represents BNI’s commitment to supporting the creative industry in Indonesia. 

Retail Banking Director of BNI, Corina Leyla Karnalies, stated, “Through wondr by BNI, we offer smart solutions for the younger generation to plan and manage their finances effectively, tailored to their financial needs. In the future, there will also be an integration between wondr by BNI and the AOP audition app, allowing wondr by BNI users to access exclusive content on the AOP app while maximizing support for their favorite talents.”

This collaboration aligns with the ‘Do your wondr”’ spirit brought by the wondr by BNI app. “With the innovative 3D Financial features available on wondr by BNI: Transaction, Insight, and Growth, BNI’s participation in the AOP program is a tangible expression of our support for the potential of Indonesian youth. We hope wondr by BNI and AOP can provide solutions to help young Indonesian talents realize their dreams on the global stage,” Corina explained.

Not only will AOP serve as a development platform, but it will also have a YouTube channel featuring inspiring content, ranging from reality shows, and weekly challenges, to masterclasses from elite coaches. Through the AOP audition app, young Indonesian talents can upload their performances, participate in competitions, and build their profiles to gain international recognition.