Menekraf: Creativity Cannot Be Locked into a Fixed Price

Jakarta - The Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, has stressed that creative works cannot be assessed using a uniform pricing approach because they depend on various factors in the creation process. “The output is how these guidelines can explain that creativity is not worthless and cannot be locked into a fixed price because it depends on the results of the creativity,” he said after a meeting with Amsal Sitepu at Autograph Tower Thamrin Nine, Jakarta, on Thursday. He stated that the government is currently preparing guidelines for creative economy services as a common reference for understanding the characteristics and economic value of creative works. According to him, pricing in this sector cannot be standardised because it is influenced by several variables, from the work location to the experience level of the practitioners. “If the price is locked, there are several variables that cannot be equalised, such as the region, experience whether beginner, junior, senior, or master,” he said. “Not to mention the type of work, whether indoor or outdoor, for example, studio photography compared to using a drone in the open natural environment, which is certainly different,” he added. He further noted that the government is being cautious in formulating the guidelines to avoid constraining the flexibility of the continuously evolving creative industry. “We are very careful; we must not lock in a price, which would instead reduce appreciation for the results of creativity itself,” he said. In the process of preparing these guidelines, the Ministry of Creative Economy is also involving professional associations, industry players, and academics to obtain a comprehensive overview. The government hopes this approach can enhance understanding among various parties of the economic value of creative works while promoting a healthier industry ecosystem.