Kemenko PM: Amsal Case Poses Threat to Sustainability of Creative Industry

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Coordinating Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PM) views the legal case ensnaring videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu as a real threat to the sustainability of the creative industry and the protection of content creator professions in Indonesia.

“The corruption charges levelled against Mr Amsal merely due to differing perceptions of professional service values constitute a form of criminalisation that could extinguish grassroots innovation,” said Deputy for Coordinating Community Economic Empowerment and Migrant Worker Protection at Kemenko PM, Leontinus Alpha Edison, in Jakarta on Monday.

Leontinus Alpha Edison deemed it highly unreasonable that the quality of work, already acknowledged by service users—namely village heads—was valued at zero rupiah by administrative audits on crucial items such as concepts, editing, and dubbing.

He stated that in the creative industry, these post-production elements form the heart of a product’s added value.

According to him, nullifying the costs of such services is tantamount to denying the dignity of the creative profession itself.

“Amsal is merely a professional service provider who submitted a transparent proposal in line with his competencies. It should be noted that he is not the budget authority holder empowered to determine state fund ceilings,” he said.

Kemenko PM emphasised that protecting industry actors is non-negotiable for the sustainability of the national economy.

Leontinus Alpha Edison warned that if a creative worker like Amsal can be imprisoned merely due to rigid bureaucratic procedures in assessing aesthetic aspects, it would destroy public trust in collaborations between the government and the creative community.

“We also extend our appreciation to the leadership of Commission III of the House of Representatives, Mr Habiburokhman and Mr Kawendra, for their special attention to the Amsal Sitepu case and for serving as a moral pillar to creative economy activists to remain consistent in their work without fear, as long as they stay within the proper corridors,” he said.