Creative Economy Minister Closes BCF Ramadan, Backs Local Brands

RRI.CO.ID, Serang — Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency Teuku Riefky Harsya officially closed Banten Creative Fest Ramadan 2026 at Alun-Alun Barat, Serang City, Banten, on Tuesday (March 17).

The BCF Ramadan 2026 featured more than 80 local brands from the fashion and lifestyle subsectors, along with over 50 culinary tenants. The event was also enlivened by music performances and creative community activities.

The minister expressed appreciation for the consistency of BCF as a collaborative platform for creative communities and local businesses. He said such initiatives are important in strengthening the creative economy ecosystem as a new engine of growth.

“I highly appreciate the people of Banten, especially Serang City, for being able to present a nationally scaled event like tonight. This shows that the creativity of young people has great potential to continue growing,” Teuku Riefky said.

He also noted that President Prabowo Subianto has designated Banten Province as one of the priority areas for creative economy development in the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan. The government is supporting this through Rp10 trillion in Intellectual Property-based People’s Business Credit (KUR) funding in 2026.

Prior to the closing ceremony, the minister visited creative booths and held direct discussions with creative economy entrepreneurs. He also encouraged all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in developing the sector across regions.

“We see many local brands born from the creativity of young people. I believe these works can grow not only nationally but also have the potential to penetrate global markets,” he said.

Meanwhile, Banten Governor Andra Soni said the presence of creative booths at BCF 2026 is a strategic step by the provincial government to provide space for creative economy players to grow and contribute to regional economic development.

“This festival reflects the spirit and innovation of Banten’s youth. Their works are a strength that will drive the region forward,” Andra said.

BCF is a creative economy event that brings together local products, culinary offerings, music entertainment, and community activities in an interactive Ramadan-themed setting. The festival, which has been running for nine years, serves as a platform for MSMEs and local brands to market their products and expand their networks.

The minister was accompanied by Deputy for Cultural Creativity and Design Yuke Sri Rahayu, Special Staff Renanda Bachtar, and other officials from the Ministry of Creative Economy. Also present were Banten Deputy Governor Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah and House of Representatives member Rizki Aulia Rahman Natakusumah.