Creative Economy Potential in Tasikmalaya Can Boost Regional Economic Growth, Says Deputy Minister
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar said the potential of creative products from Tasikmalaya, West Java, can drive regional economic progress and support the economic welfare of its people through the role of local government as a catalyst.
“Local government is the key to mobilising the creative economy so that it becomes a new pillar of national economic progress from the local level. Therefore, every region must explore and highlight its distinctive potential in order to build a solid creative economic identity,” said Irene in a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The city of Tasikmalaya has significant creative economy potential through eight flagship industries: embroidery and garment manufacturing, kelom geulis (beautiful wooden clogs), payung geulis (decorative umbrellas), batik, mendong handicrafts, bamboo weaving, processed wood, and food and beverages. This potential is supported by the dominance of the culinary and crafts subsectors as well as tourist visits, which reached 667,484 people in 2025.
She said Tasikmalaya’s potential as a driver of national economic growth from the regions can be strengthened through creative economy institutions to ensure the smooth implementation of various strategic programmes such as Creative Village Activation, Ekraf Hub Activation and Creative by Indonesia.
The Ministry of Creative Economy is also supporting the agenda for the 25th anniversary celebrations of the city of Tasikmalaya, which will take place throughout October 2026.
Among the anniversary events being prepared are free health checks utilising local Intellectual Property (IP), an ultramarathon and fun run, optimisation of the Creative Center Building (GCC), and various creative activities involving the community and creative economy players.
The series of events is designed as a cross-sector collaboration that showcases the potential of local arts, culture, crafts and cuisine, so as to deliver a memorable celebration whilst providing tangible benefits for the local economy, particularly for the younger generation.
“The event in Tasikmalaya must later be packaged holistically by promoting local wisdom such as embroidery, payung geulis and its distinctive foods, one of which is nasi tutug oncom, and integrated with environmental sustainability, health, and Intellectual Property Rights (HAKI) protection standards,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Tasikmalaya, Viman Alfarizi Ramadhan, said collaboration and synergy between local and central government can continue to position Tasikmalaya as the main hub of the creative economy in East Priangan and West Java.