Ahmad Luthfi Named Champion of MSMEs and Creative Economy

Luthfi stated that the award serves as motivation to further improve MSME development in his region, particularly given that Central Java is home to approximately 4.2 million MSMEs. “This is an inspiration for all regional heads to be more creative in making breakthroughs amidst fiscal limitations,” Luthfi said in a statement on Thursday (11/6/2026). He made the remarks at the Disway National Network event at the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, where the award was presented directly by Disway National Network founder Dahlan Iskan. According to first-quarter data for 2026, the Central Java Cooperatives and SMEs Office is coaching around 199,781 MSMEs, an increase of 1,001 compared to the previous year. These thousands of MSMEs comprise 81,595 units in the production sector, 28,586 in agriculture, 67,595 in trade, and 22,005 in services. They absorb approximately 1.38 million workers, with total assets reaching Rp39.675 billion and an omzet of Rp70.6 billion. In terms of development support, the Central Java Provincial Government promotes easier access to capital; improves human resource quality through skills and management training and business legality assistance; helps open new markets; and implements digitalisation in licensing and marketing. The provincial government also uses the Cooperatives and SMEs Office one-data portal and the Silap CSR system to regularly monitor data on aid distribution, partnerships, and beneficiaries. Furthermore, the realisation of capital distribution through microcredit (KUR) has reached Rp361.36 trillion for 10.31 million debtors. Regarding creative economy developments, Central Java now has 14 Creative Districts/Cities (KaTa Kreatif) designated by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, including Grobogan Regency for its corn rice, chicken pekok, and soybean culinary specialities, and Pati Regency for performing arts. Cilacap Regency has been recognised for animation, film, and video, while Surakarta City and Semarang City have officially become members of the UNESCO Creative City Networks (UCCN) in the Crafts and Folk Art category. Additionally, 29 regencies and cities now have a Creative Economy Committee to support the development of the local creative economy ecosystem. Commitment to the creative economy is realised through the development of the Central Java creative hub to optimise facilities, meet the needs of Generation Z, and strengthen digital infrastructure. “We nurture MSMEs and the creative economy as the backbone of the grassroots economy. Indirectly, this will bolster the regional economy,” Luthfi explained. Disway Network founder Dahlan Iskan said the award was given to support regional leaders. He noted that amidst the current global challenges, he believes exceptional regional heads still emerge. “We are giving this award because, even in the most difficult times, a few outstanding regional leaders will be born. This is one of the best lessons for studying efficiency and priority scales,” he concluded. The event also included a Leadership Forum and Awarding Ceremony with the theme ‘Encouraging Regions as Motors of National Economic Growth’.