Creative Economy Minister Responds to Amsal Sitepu Case, Plans to Create Creative Services Guidelines

Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya has responded to the case ensnaring Amsal Sitepu, the defendant in alleged corruption over the production of village profile videos in Karo Regency, North Sumatra. His side will compile guidelines for creative services.

“The Ministry of Creative Economy is finalising the preparation of guidelines in the creative services sector, involving stakeholders, particularly related associations and communities, to serve as a reference to prevent similar problems in the future,” said Teuku during a press conference at the Creative Economy Office in Central Jakarta on Monday (30/3/2026).

Riefky stated that these guidelines could provide input for the Minister of Finance Regulation (PMK) related to the Standard Input Cost (SBM) and Standard Output Cost (SBK).

“So that all parties can also see this as more fair. Whether this can serve as a reference for auditors, whether this is also for KPAs (Authorised Budget Users) at the provincial or regency/city level or even across ministries,” he explained.

Riefky said the guidelines will be completed as soon as possible or within the next few months. This is because the guidelines need to be prepared through studies and input from related communities and associations.

“Because sometimes if we set a certain price for seniors, those who are educated, who have experience, they might feel it’s too low. But if for beginners we set a high price, that’s also a problem,” he said.

He added that the guidelines will take into account the length of service up to the work area of creative business actors. For that reason, he does not want to rush the preparation of these guidelines.

“So the variables are several like that. That’s why we can’t just compile this haphazardly; it must be done properly, but also not too rigid, and there should be room for adjustment based on seniority and experience levels as well as the regional aspect,” he said.

Furthermore, Riefky revealed that the Ministry of Creative Economy has reviewed the case of procuring village profile videos in Karo Regency that affected Mr Amsal Sitepu. He said he respects the legal process.

“The Ministry of Creative Economy respects the ongoing legal process at the Medan District Court while upholding the presumption of innocence principle,” he stated.

Riefky emphasised that the procurement of creative services has different characteristics compared to the procurement of goods. According to him, the reasonableness of the Estimated Own Price (HPS) assessment for creative services must be carried out objectively and based on an understanding of the creative industry.

“The Ministry of Creative Economy is ready to facilitate dialogue spaces for all creative economy actors in resolving creative ecosystem issues through public services or requests for information and complaints on the ppid.ekraf.go.id channel,” he said.

Prosecutor’s Explanation

Head of the Public Prosecutor’s Special Crimes Division at the Attorney General’s Office, Anang Supriatna, spoke out regarding the RDP held by the DPR’s Commission III and Amsal Sitepu’s side. He appreciated the process.

“First, we respect and indeed the function of the DPR is to oversee so that law enforcement runs according to applicable legal provisions and also to fulfil a sense of justice in society,” said Anang at the Attorney General’s Office.

Anang also permitted if Commission III of the DPR wishes to apply for a suspension of detention for Amsal Sitepu up to a demand for his release. He also believes that what is conveyed by Commission III of the DPR will be considered by the panel of judges.

“Regarding the request from the defendant, go ahead, there is a legal mechanism to pursue. One of them is after the prosecution, then the plea of defence from the defendant and legal counsel, just present it there as it is,” he said.

“Of course, it will then be considered by the panel of judges who decide,” he continued.

According to him, the RDP of Commission III DPR is also part of the control over law enforcement.

“Regarding the RDP, we are ready and we highly respect it and we thank you; this becomes part of the control for us as law enforcers to carry out our duties and functions according to the rules and also to fulfil a sense of justice in society,” he stated.