Ministry of Creative Economy Emphasises Local Wisdom Innovation as Economic Driver

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency (Kemenekraf) has emphasised the central government’s presence in ensuring that innovations based on local wisdom and environmental conservation continue to serve as engines of the economy. This step strengthens the collective commitment to position the creative economy as a new engine of national growth, starting from the regions, to create tangible impacts on the welfare of the wider community. In this regard, the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, highlighted sustainable creative businesses as a successful example, such as the brand Seken Living, which develops sustainable designs based on teak wood in Yogyakarta. Seken Living is a local craft brand established in 2014, focusing on processing reclaimed wood into aesthetic and functional products, evolving into an integrated creative ecosystem that combines traditional expertise with modern management to meet the needs of an environmentally friendly market. The Deputy Minister emphasised that the Ministry of Ekraf is committed to acting as an accelerator for local brands with a sustainability vision. Through collaborations with various parties, including export financing support from the Indonesia Export Financing Agency (LPEI) or Indonesia Eximbank, which Seken Living has received, the government is optimistic that Indonesian craft products will become increasingly dominant in the global market. “The synergy between creativity and financial support, such as from Indonesia Eximbank, is the key to breaking through international market barriers,” she said. This synergy is seen as a real portrait of successful creative economy innovation that unites economic value with sustainable lifestyles in harmony with nature. In addition to regularly holding exhibitions domestically, Seken Living has also ventured into international markets through prestigious events such as Maison & Objet in France, Salone del Mobile in Milan, and Shoppe Object in the United States. Founder of Seken Living, Ferryal, expressed hope that the government continues to support market access and digital promotion so that our products based on recycled wood materials with natural characteristics become increasingly competitive in the market. “The presence of the Deputy Minister of Ekraf gives us encouragement. We also hope that Seken Living can continue to be involved in various upcoming exhibitions and events,” said Ferryal.