RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, emphasized that the use of public spaces must balance creative freedom with respect for the rights of others. He made the statement in Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March 2026, responding to growing public attention over photography practices in open public spaces that circulate on social media and national news coverage.

“Public spaces belong to everyone and should be enjoyed safely, comfortably, and respectfully. Photography activities in public areas should support creativity and economic opportunities while still adhering to ethical standards, protecting privacy, and ensuring clear governance,” Teuku Riefky said.

As a follow-up, the Ministry of Creative Economy, through the Directorate of Publishing and Photography under the Deputy for Media Creativity, organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Listening from Behind the Lens.” The forum brought together sports facility managers, photography communities, sports enthusiasts, and photo distribution platforms to discuss ethics, privacy protection, and regulations for photography activities in public spaces.

Deputy for Media Creativity, Agustini Rahayu, explained that the dialogue served as a shared platform to formulate fair guidelines.

“This FGD serves as a strategic platform to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders and to formulate recommendations that strengthen the creative economy while ensuring photography practices in public spaces remain orderly and ethical,” she said.

The discussion results were compiled together with several professional photographers, including Jerry Aurum, Andrew Linggar, Priadi, and Bambang Wijanarko, supported by the technical team from the Directorate of Publishing and Photography. The process produced recommendations emphasizing the importance of balancing creativity, professional ethics, and the protection of individual rights.

Representing the drafting team, Jerry Aurum expressed appreciation for the government’s responsive approach in addressing the issue.

“I highly appreciate the initiative and responsiveness of the Ministry of Creative Economy in addressing photography-related issues, on behalf of Indonesia’s photography community. Sensitivity that leads to collaborative recommendations like this should continue to be strengthened so the creative industry can thrive within a healthy national ecosystem,” he said.

As a follow-up, on 3 March 2026, the Minister of Creative Economy issued Recommendation Letter Number SD/KM.04/18/MK-EK/2026 addressed to President Prabowo Subianto through the Minister of State Secretariat, as well as to the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, the Governor of Jakarta, and the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief.

The recommendations urge sports facility managers to establish clear rules regarding photography activities, including designated zones and transparent permit mechanisms. Photo distribution platforms are also encouraged to implement consent systems for image use, such as opt-in and opt-out mechanisms, while strengthening personal data protection.

Creative economy actors in the photography subsector are also expected to improve their understanding of ethics and legal aspects related to photography in public spaces, including the use of clear identification while working.

Through these measures, the Ministry of Creative Economy hopes to create a more orderly, professional, and respectful environment for sports photography in public spaces, while strengthening the photography subsector as an important part of Indonesia’s national creative economy.