Government Encourages Establishment of Creative Economy Departments in Regions

SUARA NEGERI | JAKARTA — The Indonesian government is encouraging the establishment of creative economy departments in various regions to strengthen the creative industry ecosystem and expand access to mentoring for creative entrepreneurs.

Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, revealed that currently 22 provinces and around 70 regencies/cities are in the process of adding a creative economy function to their organizational structures.

"Previously, there were only a few provinces, but today, there are around 22 more provinces in the process. There are also around 70 additional regencies and cities, bringing the total to around 80," said the Minister of Creative Economy after meeting with creative economy worker Amsal Sitepu in Jakarta on Thursday.

The establishment of these departments does not have to be standalone, but can be combined with other sectors such as tourism, culture, or micro, small, and medium enterprises. "They don't have to be standalone; they can be combined, but at least they have a creative economy title within the department," he said.

According to him, the existence of creative economy offices in the regions is crucial to ensuring that business actors have access to various services, from training to mentoring.

"We hope there will be more regional foster parents who will support creative economy activists, both in terms of access to funding, markets, and legal protection," he said.

The central government has coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs to accelerate the establishment of such structures in the regions. This effort is also driven by the growing development of the creative economy industry in various regions, which is considered to contribute to job creation and increased regional income.

"Many regional heads have already felt the impact, both on employment, poverty reduction, and regional income," he said. (*)