Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Wants Photography Exhibitions to Bring Works to International Markets

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf), Irene Umar, suggested that photography competitions and exhibitions organised by communities should bring participants’ photographic works to commercialised platforms to gain recognition abroad. “They do not just learn photography and express themselves; usually, that is where it ends. Actually, it can be explored further. We can teach them to upload their works to platforms like Canva and Shutterstock; that can become a form of commercialisation,” Irene said in an official statement received on Tuesday. Photography competitions and exhibitions organised by the AWAN community for children and teenagers can serve as an introduction to the creative economy from an early age. “This can become their passive income in the future. So, this is not just creative, but there is an economic aspect to it. Later, parents can manage it,” she added. Moreover, such steps can make the reach of Indonesian children’s photographic works known abroad. Irene suggested that participants’ photos could be compiled into a book, allowing detailed presentation of perspectives on the resulting works. The photography competition and exhibition, known as AWAN CERAH 2026, is planned to be held at the Galeri Emiria Soenassa, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, from 20 to 26 June 2026, targeting participants aged up to 16 years. The judges for the photography competition include Photographer Davy Linggar; architect active in the visual arts world, Indonesian Photography and Art Direction, Jay Subiakto; Fashion Designer Didit Hediprasetyo; and several other prominent names. “We believe every child and teenager has a unique perspective on the world and culture. When they capture moments of art, culture, dance, colours, rituals, their voices are not just photographing but also preserving shared memories of the nation’s culture,” said Retno Audite, the founder of the AWAN community.