Indonesia pledges support for creative industry push into Japan

Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar discussed potential cooperation opportunities with Merry Astrid Indriasari, trade attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, including Indonesia’s possible participation in the Indonesia-Japan Friendship Festival (IJFF) 2026.

“This meeting is a strategic step toward creating synergies and expanding global market access for Indonesian creative products,” Irene said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.

The ministry is ready to help curate products and provide assistance to businesses preparing to participate in international festivals, including IJFF 2026, she said.

The discussions aim to connect Indonesia’s creative economy with global industry networks, Irene added.

Indonesia is scheduled to participate in IJFF in December 2026, with products and talent from 21 creative economy subsectors expected to be promoted to a broader Japanese audience beyond the Indonesian diaspora.

Products with promotional potential include herbal jamu drinks, coffee, perfumes, bags, and musical performances.

The ministry and its partners will explore promotional approaches tailored to the Japanese market and assess the readiness of each subsector.

Merry Astrid Indriasari, trade attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, said Indonesian creative products have opportunities in the Japanese market if they combine functionality, quality, and distinctive Indonesian design elements.

Leather, wood, and rattan products, for example, could appeal to Japanese consumers, who tend to favor simple, functional designs and more subdued color palettes, she said.

Translator: Fitra Ashari, Kuntum Khaira