Creative Economy Minister: Malang's Creative City status must create jobs
Malang, East Java (ANTARA) - Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya has stated that the UNESCO Creative City status in the field of Media Arts held by Malang, East Java, must serve as a foundation for opening up employment opportunities for the public.
“Malang is already a UNESCO Media Arts City, and this must not stop because it has to become a starting point for delivering impact, such as job creation,” said Riefky after visiting the Mbois 11 Festival held at Gajayana Stadium, Malang, on Saturday evening.
Riefky stated that the availability of jobs in the creative economy sector can provide opportunities for people to lead more prosperous lives.
Moreover, he believes that with abundant job opportunities, the problem of unemployment can be addressed and the local economy can move more vigorously.
Riefky said the total number of creative economy workers currently stands at 27.4 million people, of whom 63 percent are Generation Z and millennials.
From the available data, he continued, of the total 27.4 million workers in the creative economy sector, 58 percent are women. The opening up of jobs in the creative economy sector can foster inclusivity in the world of work.
“Open unemployment in Indonesia stands at 7.5 million people, and 82 percent are Generation Z and millennials. The jobs they are interested in are in the creative economy sector. In fact, this sector can reduce open unemployment rates across all regions,” he said.
Therefore, Riefky reminded all parties in Malang, such as the local government, associations, academics, the media, and financial institutions, to provide full support to creative economy business actors so that they can grow and provide employment opportunities for the public.
On that occasion, he expressed appreciation for the existence of the Malang Creative Center (MCC) building because it is truly being used as a creative hub capable of hosting 1,100 to 1,200 programmes every month.
“That is already optimal, but apparently it is not enough because Gajayana Stadium is also going to be activated. This is extraordinary and this step can serve as an example for other regions,” he said.