Indonesia is Strengthening Creative Industries with Global Connections

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is shifting its approach to supporting the national creative industry by focusing on opening global market access, business networks, and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs. This step is considered more sustainable than simply facilitating participation in international exhibitions.

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar, said the main challenge for Indonesian creative industry players today is no longer producing quality products, but gaining access to international markets.

“The government must start focusing on opening global access for local brands. Indonesian products are already increasingly high-quality. The challenge is often how to connect our best works with markets, networks, and opportunities at the international level,” Minister Muhaimin said in Jakarta on Monday, July 6, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He made the statement during a visit to the Indonesia Marketplace, part of the Movement Across Time (MASA) Singapore 2026 event at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Singapore.

According to him, the promotion of Indonesian products abroad has been dominated by temporary exhibitions. However, businesses need long-term access to business networks, potential buyers, investors, and strategic partners to sustainably expand their markets.

The government has therefore begun encouraging a new approach through cross-sector collaboration that not only showcases products but also connects creative industry players with the international business ecosystem.

He cited the steps taken by Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar through her collaboration with MASA as an example of this transformation.

The government no longer merely facilitates participation in exhibitions but also presents curated Indonesian brands in strategic commercial spaces and connects them directly with buyers, investors, media, and international commercial space managers.

“I commend Ms. Irene and the ranks of the Ministry of Creative Economy for initiating this new approach. What we’re building isn’t just an exhibition but rather an opening of access. Indonesian brands are being brought together with buyers, investors, media, and international commercial space managers. There’s added value there,” he said.

Minister Muhaimin added that models like MASA need to be expanded because they show that government support is not always expressed through budgetary assistance but also through opening market access and building networks that create new business opportunities.

“If we focus solely on exhibitions, the impact often ends when the event ends. However, if the government is able to open access and build networks, the benefits will continue long after the event ends. This is how the government provides added value to the community,” he explained.

Through this approach, the government hopes that more Indonesian creative industry players will be able to enter global markets, expand international partnerships, and enhance the competitiveness of national creative products worldwide. ***