Ahmad Luthfi Named Champion of MSMEs and Creative Economy
Luthfi stated that the award serves as motivation to further improve the development of MSMEs within his region, particularly as Central Java is home to approximately 4.2 million MSMEs. “This is an inspiration for all regional heads to be more creative in creating breakthroughs amidst fiscal limitations,” Luthfi said in a statement on Thursday (11/06/2026).
He shared these remarks during the Disway National Network event at the JW Marriott Hotel, Jakarta. The award was presented directly by the founder of Disway National Network, Dahlan Iskan.
Based on data from the first quarter of 2026, the Central Java Provincial Office of Cooperatives and SMEs has mentored approximately 199,781 MSMEs, an increase of 1,001 units compared to the previous year. These MSMEs are distributed across production (81,59 Segment 95 units), agriculture (28,586 units), trade (67,595 units), and services (22,005 units). This sector employs around 1.38 million workers, with assets valued at Rp39.675 billion and a turnover of Rp70.6 billion.
In terms of development, the Central Java Provincial Government is encouraging easier access to capital, improving human resource quality through skills and management training, providing legal assistance, helping open new markets, and implementing digitalisation in licensing and marketing. The provincial government also utilises the ‘one data’ portal of the Office of Cooperatives and SMEs, alongside the Silap CSR system, to monitor the distribution of aid, partnerships, and beneficiaries periodically. Furthermore, the realisation of capital distribution through the People’s Business Credit (KUR) has reached Rp361.36 trillion for 10.31 million debtors.
Regarding the development of the creative economy, Central Java now possesses 14 Creative Regencies/Cities (KaTa Kreatif) as designated by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. These include Grobogan Regency for culinary arts (Nasi Jagung-Ayam Pecok-Kedelai/Japede) and Pati Regency for performing arts. Additionally, Cilacap Regency focuses on Animation, Film, and Video, while the cities of Surakarta and Semarang have officially joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) under the Crafts & Folk-Art category.
Furthermore, 29 regencies and cities have established Creative Economy Committees to support the development of the local creative ecosystem. Commitments to the creative economy include 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 community’s economy at the grassroots level. Indirectly, this will strengthen the regional economy,” Luthfi explained.
Disway Network founder Dahlan Iskan stated that the award was given as support for regional leaders. He believes that amidst current global challenges, exceptional regional heads continue to emerge. “We are presenting this award because even in the most difficult times, exceptional regional leaders will be born. This serves as a vital lesson in studying efficiency and scale of priorities,” he concluded.
The event was held alongside a Leadership Forum and Awarding Ceremony themed ‘Driving Regions as Engines of National Economic Growth’.