Amsal Sitepu Case Triggers New Regulations: Standards for Creative Service Costs in Tourist Villages to Be Regulated

The Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, plans to create guidelines for procuring creative services, including their cost standards.

This intention follows the widespread media coverage of the videographer in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, Amsal Sitepu, who is being prosecuted for two years in prison for allegedly marking up a village video project.

“The Ministry of Creative Economy is finalising the preparation of guidelines in the creative services sector by involving stakeholders, particularly associations and related communities, to serve as a reference to prevent similar problems in the future,” Teuku stated.

Teuku explained that the Minister of Finance Regulation has established input cost standards and special cost standards for preparing budgets for ministries or agencies.

However, that regulation does not yet cover all creative industry sectors. Amid the development of the digital era, Teuku stressed the importance of guideline standards that encompass all creative industry sectors.

Through an official statement from the Ministry of Creative Economy (Kemenekraf) on Monday (30/3/2026), Teuku also conveyed that procuring creative services differs from procuring goods.

The reasonableness of evaluating the Estimated Own Price (HPS) for Creative Services must be done objectively and based on an understanding of the creative industry.

“Of course, the government cannot operate alone. We must communicate and coordinate with all parties that will provide input. There are those within the authority of this ministry that we can issue as a Ministerial Regulation (Permen) or Ministerial Decision (Kepmen), but there are also those that involve inter-ministerial coordination,” he clarified.

The preparation of these guidelines, according to Teuku, needs to involve associations of creative service actors, considering several factors such as the experience of service providers and price comparisons in each region.

“So, there are several variables; we can’t just compile this carelessly; it must be accurate but not too rigid. There should also be room for adjustments, whether based on seniority and experience levels, or regional aspects,” he said.

Previously, Kemenekraf had held discussions and coordination meetings with representatives of associations and creative economy activist communities.

Among them are the Indonesian Photography Profession Association (APFI), the Indonesian Photo Video Creators Association (AKFID) (@akfid.nasional), and the Indonesian Documentation Business Association (@hipdi_indonesia).

While the legal process for Amsal Sitepu and the guideline preparation are ongoing, Kemenekraf stated that it will respect the ongoing legal process by upholding the principle of presumption of innocence.