Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Opens ICC 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, officially opened the tenth-anniversary edition of Indonesia Comic Con (ICC) at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo). This event, which consistently invigorates the pop culture ecosystem, serves as a strategic pillar for the growth of the national creative economy.

"Through events like this, we hope that local talents—ranging from comic artists, illustrators, and content creators to cosplayers—can connect with a broader market. The Ministry of Creative Economy is here to support every passion that holds economic value, and we can witness economic activity generated through events such as this," said Irene in her remarks on Saturday, 3 October.

Through synergy among the Ministry of Creative Economy, industry players, and communities, ICC 2026 is expected to continue creating creative jobs, expanding the commercialization of local Intellectual Property (IP), and strengthening Indonesia's position in the global creative industry supply chain. This initiative represents a concrete follow-up to the strategic collaboration established during the initial meeting on 3 October 2025, aimed at elevating the potential of Indonesian creators and local IP.

Held on 3–4 October 2026, ICC 2026 celebrates the development of creative economy sub-sectors—such as comics, toys, film, games, music, cosplay, and illustration—through exhibitions, talk shows, and artist showcases. Marking its 10th edition since its debut in 2015, ICC features the "Raya Championship of Cosplay," kicking off with a parade of 20 cosplayers and offering 100 free cosplay entry slots.

“This event serves not merely as a platform for young people to express their passions but also as a new engine of growth, driving the economy through the diverse creative potential on display. We hope cosplayers will come together here to channel their passion positively. It is time for Indonesia to step beyond the national stage and be propelled onto the international one,” said Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Saturday, 3 October 2026, to expand its global reach, ICC 2026 is collaborating with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) to facilitate cross-border creator exchanges. Furthermore, ICC continues to foster the development of local intellectual property (IP)—exemplified by the superhero character Kapten Sultan, which is open to licensing partnerships and cross-industry collaborations.

Andita Puteri Tirtawisata, Director of Panorama Media, emphasized that the active participation of local creators demonstrates the strengthening of the national pop culture ecosystem. She also highlighted ICC as a platform for elevating and developing local IP.

"ICC is here today thanks to the tremendous support from all of you. This year, we are proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Creative Economy, the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Disparekraf), and creative industry players from both Indonesia and abroad. The breadth of this collaboration proves that Indonesia’s pop culture and creative industries are growing rapidly. We hope our industry continues to advance, strengthen, and gain global recognition," said Andita Puteri Tirtawisata.

ICC’s commitment to cultivating world-class talent is also realized through the Indonesia Cosplay Grand Prix. Following qualifying rounds in five regions—Yogyakarta, Bali, Palembang, Bandar Lampung, and Malang—the winner of this national competition will represent Indonesia at the World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya, Japan.