Yogyakarta Promotes Comics and Illustrations as Global Creative Assets

RRI.CO.ID, Yogyakarta - The Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) Tourism Agency is supporting the development of comics and illustrations as creative products and intellectual property (IP) that hold high economic value and can be expanded across various creative industries.

Head of the Creative Economy Development Division at the DIY Tourism Agency, Iwan Pramana, said comics and illustrations have strong potential as IP and can be developed into derivative products such as animation, games, merchandise, and collaborations with other creative sectors.

“This work has the potential to be used as IP, which can be developed into various derivative products, such as animation, games, merchandise, and other forms of collaboration in the creative industry,” Iwan said in Yogyakarta on Sunday, June 7, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He emphasized that IP development is key to increasing the added value and competitiveness of local creative products, and that it extends beyond entertainment.

Iwan highlighted the success of Apriyadi Kusbiantoro, a comic artist from DIY, who has penetrated the global market. Apriyadi’s achievements demonstrate that Yogyakarta’s creative talent is competitive internationally.

Apriyadi has worked on dozens of international comic projects. In the United States, he contributed to titles such as George Carlin, Three Stooges, Soft J.N. Williamson’s Illustrated Masques, and Radio Gaga. In the Netherlands, he was involved in major series including De Verloren Verhalen van Lemuria, De Levende Mantel, and the legendary Storm series.

“This achievement shows that DIY creative talent is globally recognized for its quality, competitiveness, and professionalism,” Iwan said.

DIY Tourism Agency Head Imam Pratanadi added that the regional administration continues to strengthen the creative economy ecosystem through initiatives to build the capacity of creative industry players.

He explained that efforts include promotion, training, certification, and nurturing creative talent, in collaboration with local administrations, the Ministry of Creative Economy, and creative communities. “We also expand networks and market access,” Imam said.

He hopes that this support will encourage creators in Yogyakarta to continue innovating and expand their market share nationally and internationally, including through participation in comic exhibitions.

“Yogyakarta has strong capital in the creative economy sector thanks to its traditions of art, culture, education, and a dynamic creative community,” he said.

So far, the DIY Tourism Agency has implemented comic development programs in collaboration with the Comic Workers Alliance. These include training in comic creation, IP development, business models, marketing strategies, and monetization.

Supporting activities include the Comic Marathon, assistance in producing comic-based animations, and providing shared workspaces for comic artists. The Yogyakarta Creative Hub also offers space for discussion and collaboration. ***