Gekrafs expands creative economy network within the ASEAN region
The National Creative Economy Movement (Gekrafs) is continuing to expand Indonesia’s creative economy network while opening opportunities for collaboration with Malaysia and the ASEAN region, following the inauguration of the Gekrafs Malaysia Overseas Representative Council (DPLN).
“The presence of the Malaysia DPLN is expected to drive the growth of creative entrepreneurs, create jobs, and expand the presence of Indonesian creative products and works in the international market,” said the General Chairman of DPP GEKRAFS, Kawendra Lukistio, in Jakarta on Saturday.
He stated that Gekrafs has formulated ‘Asta Karya’, eight strategic programmes designed to support President Prabowo Subianto’s ‘Asta Cita’ mission towards achieving eight per cent economic growth. He added that the strengthening of the creative economy ecosystem is also supported by intellectual property-based financing, which can be utilised by creative economy actors who meet the necessary requirements.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator for International Affairs of DPP GEKRAFS, Osco Olfriady Letunggamu, assessed that Malaysia holds a strategic position due to its cultural proximity and shared societal characteristics with Indonesia. “We share many cultural similarities and societal behaviours; through the presence of the Gekrafs Malaysia DPLN, we can exchange information and business opportunities to enhance the economies of both nations,” he said.
Gekrafs DPLNs in various countries will continue to expand, with a target of approximately 20 overseas representatives established by the end of 2026 as part of the effort to open international networks for Indonesian creative economy actors.
In Malaysia, the Gekrafs DPLN will oversee 21 creative economy sub-sectors, including four new sub-sectors: automotive modification, new technology, digital content, and voice-over.
Furthermore, the Chairperson of Gekrafs Malaysia DPLN, Rika Amelia Rush, stated that her aim is to ensure the DPLN serves not merely as a social forum, but as a bridge between Indonesian and Malaysian creative entrepreneurs. “We are determined to make the Gekrafs Malaysia DPLN not just a platform for networking, but a tangible business accelerator,” Rika said.
Several collaboration opportunities being prepared include joint production of films and animation, event management, culinary and franchise development, fashion, crafts, beauty, as well as the development of applications, games, and digital talent.
The inauguration was also accompanied by a Creative Talk, a Mini Product Showcase, and Business Matching sessions, bringing together creative economy actors, government officials, communities, and the business world from both Indonesia and Malaysia.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia, Raden Dato’ Mohammad Iman Hascarya Kusumo, noted that the presence of the Gekrafs Malaysia DPLN opens further opportunities for synergy. “The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is present and ready to continue synergising with Gekrafs in identifying opportunities and encouraging follow-up cooperation,” Iman said.
He emphasised the vital role of the Indonesian diaspora in Malaysia as a link for entrepreneurs wishing to enter the Malaysian market. According to him, the diaspora can serve as a bridge to understand market characteristics, find partners, and build trust in bilateral business cooperation.
“The presence of the Gekrafs DPLN is expected not to stop at the exchange of ideas, but to evolve into business collaboration, market expansion, investment, and the strengthening of creative talent at the ASEAN level,” he added.
Previously, the DPP Gekrafs inaugurated Rika Amelia as the Chairperson of the Gekrafs Malaysia DPLN at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Kuala Lumpur.