Gekrafs Launches Creative Economy Diplomatic Mission 2026 to Strengthen Global Network
The National Creative Economy Movement (Gekrafs) continues to drive international network expansion through the establishment of Overseas Representative Councils (DPLN) in several countries. This step is part of the organisation’s strategy to broaden access for Indonesian creative economy products and works to the global market. The presence of DPLN abroad is expected to serve as a strategic bridge for national creative economy actors, from creators and creative MSMEs to creative industries, in forging collaborations, strengthening promotion, and opening business opportunities in international markets.
As a follow-up to these efforts, the Central Executive Board (DPP) of Gekrafs is once again holding the Creative Economy Diplomatic Mission 2026 programme, which will take place on 19–22 June 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and Astana, Kazakhstan. This strategic programme is an important momentum for expanding Gekrafs’ global network through the inauguration of DPLN Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. In addition, the event will feature a series of agendas, including a Creative Expo, Creative Talkshow, and Business Matching, designed to connect Indonesia’s creative economy potential with industry players, communities, and business partners from various countries.
DPP Gekrafs Chairman Kawendra Lukistian asserted that this creative economy diplomatic mission is a concrete step to introduce Indonesia’s creative potential to the international stage. “We hope the Creative Economy Diplomatic Mission can become a major movement for Indonesia as a centre of world creative economy civilisation. We have extraordinary talent, culture, and creativity that must be present and compete on the global stage,” Kawendra said in a statement on Wednesday (17/6).
Kawendra believes that Indonesia’s future economic growth will not only depend on the natural resources sector but also on the power of creativity, innovation, and ideas born from the nation’s youth. “The creative economy is Indonesia’s future. Through cross-country collaboration, we want to open wider access for creators, MSMEs, and the national creative industry to level up,” he added.
In implementing this mission, Gekrafs is also strengthening the role of DPLN as a bridge connecting Indonesian creative economy actors with the international community. Osco Olfriady Letunggamu, Coordinating Chair of Gekrafs DPLN, said that DPLN has a strategic function in expanding global connectivity and collaboration for Indonesia’s creative economy sector. “Gekrafs DPLN is present as Indonesia’s creative economy hub abroad. Its function is to open networks, match business opportunities, introduce Indonesian creative products, and build collaborations between Indonesian creators and the global market,” Osco explained. He noted that the inauguration of DPLN in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan is an important step in strengthening cultural and economic diplomacy through Indonesian creative works. “We want the Indonesian diaspora and international networks to be part of bringing Indonesian creativity to the world,” he added.
Meanwhile, Arifin Ihsan Rismansyah, Chair of the Organisation, Cadreisation, and Membership Division (OKK) of Gekrafs, assessed that strengthening the organisational structure to the international level is a key foundation for building a sustainable creative economy ecosystem. “The expansion of DPLN is part of Gekrafs’ commitment to building a strong ecosystem. With a global network, Indonesian creative actors have greater space to exchange knowledge, build cooperation, and expand markets,” Arifin said.
The Creative Economy Diplomatic Mission 2026 series not only focuses on strengthening international networks but also features a Creative Expo as a platform to promote Indonesian creative products and works. Additionally, the Creative Talkshow will serve as a forum for exchanging insights and experiences, while Business Matching is designed to open cross-border business partnership opportunities. This event is made possible thanks to the support of various parties, including Bank BNI as the official collaborator, as well as Telkomsel, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Azerbaijan, and KBRI Kazakhstan. Through this creative diplomatic mission, Gekrafs hopes that Indonesia will gain greater recognition as a new force in the global creative economy. By expanding access to international markets and strengthening cross-country collaboration, local Indonesian creativity is expected to become more competitive on the world stage.