Indonesia–Australia Talks on More Creative Economy Collaborations

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia's Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, lauded Indonesia and Australia's bilateral collaboration throughout 2025 as he received a visit from Australia’s Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, in Jakarta on Wednesday, 28 January 2026.

"Indonesia–Australia creative economy cooperation continues to grow from year to year. We hope that 2026 will become an important phase to expand cross-subsector collaboration and strengthen the strategic partnership between our two countries," Harsya said.

As quoted by the Ministry on Thursday, 29 January 2026, speaking to Burke, Minister Harsya lauded the two nations' bilateral collaboration throughout 2025. This includes the 10th Australia–Indonesia Cinema Festival (FSAI), S’RASA culinary business matches in Sydney, and a cooperation agreement with Canva to support Indonesian creative talents.

The ministry stated that Harsya and Burke's second meeting this time continues to strengthen synergies between the Indonesian and Australian creative industries. He stressed that the collaboration aligns with the Indonesian government’s way to position the creative economy as a globally competitive and innovation-driven 'new engine of growth'.

"We are directing this cooperation so that Indonesian creative economy players can scale up, connect with global markets and talents, and take a more active role in international value chains," he conveyed.

Australia’s Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke (left) walked with Indonesia's Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya (right), past the Minister of Creative Economy office in Jakarta on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. (Photo:Indonesia's Minister of Creative Economy)

Both ministers also discussed several forward-looking strategic plans, including preparations for the Australia Awards Indonesia short course program in animation and the 11th Australia–Indonesia Cinema Festival (FSAI). They also talked about Australia’s participation at the World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) 2026 in Jakarta, for which Harsya formally invited Burke to attend.

Minister Burke welcomed the strengthening of cooperation. He noted that creative economy collaboration between Indonesia and Australia offers significant opportunities for both countries.

“If we continue to share optimistic progress in our cooperation, this will be a very exciting time for both our nations,” he said.

Tony Burke has been the Australian Minister of the Arts since 29 July 2024. Besides that, Burke also serves as the country's Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Cyber Security, and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship.