RI Govt pushes local creative economy growth drive

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Ministry of Creative Economy is leading efforts to encourage regional governments to spur local economic growth by establishing offices dedicated to developing their creative industries, Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya said on Tuesday.

“About 28 provinces are currently setting up local creative economy offices, while some are still integrating them into existing units. A similar process is underway in around 80 district governments,” Harsya told reporters during the Friends of Creative Economy event in Jakarta.

He said the initiatives show local leaders’ growing commitment to mapping and supporting creative industry players in their respective regions.

Harsya stressed the importance of empowering local creative entrepreneurs and helping them expand beyond regional markets to compete nationally and globally.

“We are targeting exports to Europe, the Middle East, and America, but strengthening our creative products’ competitiveness in the domestic market is equally vital. Regional governments play a key role in this,” he said.

The minister said the ministry had identified several priority sub-sectors — including fashion, culinary, and crafts — which contribute significantly to job creation, exports, and investment.

At the same time, the government is monitoring the rapid growth of emerging sectors such as gaming, film, animation, and music, which have strong potential for innovation and global reach, he added.

Harsya called on both central and regional administrations to promote growth in other creative fields, including fine arts, design, architecture, dance, publishing, and photography, to broaden the industry’s base.

He expressed optimism that regional creative economy initiatives would generate more jobs, boost contributions to local and national GDP, attract investments, and strengthen Indonesia’s export performance.

“With proper collaboration between the central and local governments, we believe the creative economy can become a major driver of inclusive and sustainable growth,” Harsya said.

The creative economy sector contributes more than seven percent to Indonesia’s GDP and employs millions nationwide, according to ministry data.