Minister Riefky: Yogyakarta a Model for Creative Economy Development in Indonesia

Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya stated that the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) serves as a role model for creative economy development in Indonesia due to its strong cultural ecosystem, which fosters innovation and creativity. “In a region with a strong culture as its upstream, with a touch of innovation, creativity, and technology, that is where the creative economy emerges,” Riefky said in Yogyakarta on Saturday. He noted that this is reflected in President Prabowo Subianto’s National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), which designates DIY, alongside 15 other provinces, as a centre for creative economy development to support the strengthening of Indonesia’s economy. “The task of the Creative Economy Ministry is to increase investment in the creative economy sector,” he emphasised. The ministry is currently encouraging the emergence of local businesses ready to scale up to national and international levels, potentially boosting investment, exports, and quality employment. “The creative economy in Yogyakarta has developed extraordinarily; it has not only grown but has also been downstreamed into economic value,” Riefky added. Seeing this potential, the central government will continue to collaborate to elevate local Yogyakarta brands through a joint curation process with the regional government. Meanwhile, Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo noted that the city’s population is relatively small, at around half a million people. However, the actual number of inhabitants can reach one million due to the influx of a heterogeneous migrant population. “Yogyakarta City does not have natural resources, but it has human resources, so we must rely on the creative economy to increase income,” Hasto said. Speaking to the Minister, Hasto highlighted the need to develop creative economy sectors that empower women and the elderly to strengthen the regional economy. “Creativity in Yogyakarta is extraordinary; there are many cultural figures, artists, and community-driven events,” he explained. He cited ongoing creative activities such as Custom Fest and Wayang Jogja Night Carnival (WJNC), among other events flourishing in the education city. “Through these activities, we aim to increase tourist visits, especially by foreign tourists, to Yogyakarta,” Hasto said, noting that foreign tourist visits are one indicator of the region’s growing creative economy.