GEKRAFS National Working Conference 2026 Produces Strategic Recommendations for Strengthening Indonesia's Creative Economy
The National Creative Economy Movement (GEKRAFS) held its National Working Conference (Rakernas) and GEKRAFS Awards 2026 under the theme “Astakarya: Accelerating Works, Transforming Indonesia’s Economy” in Jakarta recently. The event was attended by representatives from 38 provinces, 288 regencies and cities, as well as 12 Overseas Leadership Councils as part of national consolidation efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s creative economy ecosystem.
GEKRAFS General Chairperson Kawendra Lukistian stated that Astakarya represents the organisation’s strategic direction to accelerate creative economy growth whilst strengthening the sector’s contribution to the national economy. “Following our recent congress, GEKRAFS held a leadership meeting and released our flagship programmes. If President Prabowo has Astacita, GEKRAFS has Astakarya,” Kawendra explained.
He elaborated that Astakarya aligns with the national development vision and encompasses eight strategic programmes: CEFA, DIPLE, GANDI, DIGIMAP, ARTPAY, YOUTHEM, RECHUB, and GLOBE. These eight programmes were formulated to expand funding access for creative economy practitioners, strengthen legal ecosystems and intellectual property protection, enhance digital literacy, advocate for creative worker remuneration standards, create opportunities for young talent, strengthen creative hubs across regions, and promote Indonesian creative product exports to global markets.
GEKRAFS also presented the conference results, comprising strategic recommendations to the Ministry of Creative Economy. These recommendations were personally submitted by GEKRAFS General Chairperson Kawendra Lukistian to Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya as a contribution of thought from creative economy practitioners nationwide to strengthen national creative economy policy and ecosystem.
GEKRAFS Board of Trustees Sandiaga Uno assessed that creative economy holds a strategic role as a motor for Indonesia’s future economic growth. “The creative economy has potential in creating employment, driving innovation, and expressing national identity. We need to strengthen collaboration so this potential truly delivers impact to the national economy,” said Sandiaga.
Meanwhile, GEKRAFS Advisory Board Member Sufmi Dasco Ahmad emphasised the importance of organisational consolidation so that GEKRAFS can become a strong forum for creative economy practitioners throughout Indonesia. “GEKRAFS must be a great home for those working in the creative economy. With strong consolidation from centre to regions, we can ensure creative practitioners receive greater space, support, and access to develop,” Dasco stated.
Beyond the Rakernas agenda, the event also featured GEKRAFS Awards 2026 as appreciation for creative economy practitioners recognised for their contribution to developing Indonesia’s creative economy ecosystem.
The 2026 GEKRAFS Rakernas also presented a keynote speech from the Minister of Research, Technology and Higher Education Professor Brian Yuliarto highlighting the importance of innovation, research, and strengthening creative talent in supporting knowledge-based economic growth. Beyond discussion and programme presentations, the event included remarks from Deputy Minister of Hajj Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak encouraging creative economy practitioners to maintain integrity values and beneficial impact in their work.
The 2026 GEKRAFS Rakernas was supported by collaboration from various strategic institutions from banking, state-owned enterprises, industry, media and creative communities, including BTN, BSI, ANTAM, Novotel, JIEP, Kelindoku, Hutama Karya, Danareksa, Pusri, Mayapada, PPA, Nusantara TV, Timah, Warna Warni, GEKRAFS Rejang Lebong, and Nindya Karya. This cross-sector collaboration is expected to strengthen the national creative economy ecosystem.
Through the 2026 Rakernas and GEKRAFS Awards, it is hoped to strengthen national consolidation, expand access for creative economy practitioners throughout Indonesia, and encourage the emergence of innovative works capable of accelerating Indonesia’s economic transformation.