Creative Economy Seen as New Growth Engine for Indonesia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Workshop on Creative Economy Human Resource Capacity Building (SDM Ekraf) was held in Pacitan, East Java, on May 6, 2026, highlighting the creative sector as a new engine for regional growth.

Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, popularly known as Ibas, opened the event and underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration to unlock opportunities in tourism, MSMEs, arts, culture, and digital trade.

“The creative economy is a major potential that we have not fully explored. Pacitan has it, and I am confident it can grow into a new economic strength,” Ibas said during the opening session of the workshop themed “Enhancing Quality, Expanding Markets, Building Indonesia,” as quoted by Antara.

The event was organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Creative Economy and featured Deryansha, Founder of Kasisolusi, who delivered training on digital-based MSME development for young entrepreneurs.

Ibas emphasized that strengthening the creative economy requires a holistic approach. “What is needed is the strengthening of the creative ecosystem and infrastructure. In the future, Pacitan can become a center of creative economy and a national hub if all of its local potential is developed together,” he said.

He also pointed to Pacitan’s rich cultural heritage as a key asset. “Our cultural performances must be packaged more attractively, more creatively, with stories and identities. That way, their value will be higher and able to draw the attention of tourists,” he noted, citing local art forms such as rontek, kethek ogleng, and Tari Klayar.

To support development, Ibas highlighted the importance of regional branding. He referred to Pacitan’s identity as the “City of 1,001 Caves” and its coastal charm under the concept “Pacitan The 70 Miles of Sea Paradise.”

“Digitalization is both a challenge and an opportunity. Young people must become the main actors in promoting local tourism and creative economy through digital platforms,” he said.

Ibas also stressed the need for product downstreaming to elevate MSMEs and improve competitiveness. He encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage financing schemes such as KUR Kreatif (Creative People’s Business Credit).

“If the problem lies in capital, make use of KUR Kreatif so businesses can grow, digitalization can advance, and product promotion can be more optimal,” he said. ***