RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Creative Economy held a strategic meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen institutional collaboration and expand global cooperation networks.

Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya and Foreign Minister Sugiono agreed to enhance coordination between the two ministries to build stronger diplomacy and reaffirm Indonesia’s position as a leader of the Global South and a global hub for the creative economy.

“As a key element of Indonesia’s Grand Strategy for Soft Power Diplomacy, the creative economy has proven to be an effective diplomatic instrument. A close partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the cornerstone for Indonesia to continue strengthening its leadership in the global creative economy arena,” Minister Riefky said at the Foreign Ministry office in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 2026.

The meeting also discussed preparations for hosting the 5th World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) 2026. The forum is expected to open broader investment opportunities and access to international markets for national creative economy players.

“This collaboration is crucial. The strong global network maintained by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will serve as the primary driving force in achieving the success of our creative diplomacy agenda and expanding the national economic impact,” Minister Riefky said.

WCCE 2026 will be promoted through Indonesian diplomatic missions abroad to attract participation from more than 80 countries. Under the theme “Inclusively Creative: Collective Continuity,” the multilateral conference will focus on the sustainability of international cooperation.

The conference will feature seven main components: Friends of the Creative Economy (FCE) and Meeting, Ministerial Meeting, Plenary Session, Creative Session, Creativillage, Bilateral Meetings (B2B, G2G, G2B), and an Official Dinner.

Indonesia’s creative economy continues to show positive growth. In 2024, the sector contributed IDR 1,611.15 trillion (7.28 percent of GDP). In 2025, exports reached USD 31.94 billion, investment realization stood at IDR 183.01 trillion, and employment rose to 27.4 million people.

Cooperation between the two ministries has been strong, beginning with WCCE Bali in 2018 and 2022, Dubai in 2021, and Tashkent in 2024. A capacity-building program was also held in Bali for 79 member countries of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS).

Active collaboration has been established with seven strategic partner countries: Australia, the Netherlands, Denmark, the Philippines, Thailand, France, and the United Kingdom. (Gusti Panji)