RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Creative Economy has set its sights on making the creative economy sector a new driver of national growth by 2026, positioning it as a backbone for sustainable development and job creation.

Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya said the ministry is targeting investment worth IDR 146.5 trillion (US$8.67 billion) and the creation of 26 million jobs. To achieve this, the ministry has launched a strategic roadmap to strengthen the capacity of local actors.

Referring to the 2026 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), Riefky said the ministry aims for 5.66 percent growth in the creative economy. He explained that the target will be supported by the “Ekraf Business Forum,” which curates regional players to help them penetrate global markets.

“At the regional level, we identify local heroes and elevate them to the national stage. From there, we select national champions to compete globally, whether through expos or business matching events,” Minister Riefky said during a joint workshop with House of Representatives Commission VII at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Riefky confirmed that the 2026 creative economy program is aligned with the President’s priority initiatives, including the Red and White Village Cooperative, People’s Schools, and participation in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

Meanwhile, Commission VII lawmaker Samuel Wattimena noted that the benefits of the creative economy have not been evenly distributed across regions. He argued that the economic potential of culture-based creative industries remains underutilized.

“Our nation is exceptionally rich in culture. Many opportunities could be explored, but artisans and masters, who are sources of ideas, have not received adequate attention,” Samuel said.

He added that policy approaches remain predominantly economic, even though creative ideas are widespread throughout Indonesia. Samuel expressed hope that the ministry’s 2026 work plan would help close the gap in the utilization of cultural potential.

By doing so, he said, Indonesia’s cultural wealth would not only serve as a source of national pride but also provide significant economic value for creators across the archipelago. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)