The importance of presenting a drug-free creative ecosystem for the younger generation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya has emphasised the importance of establishing a safe, drug-free creative industry ecosystem for the younger generation.
“Providing a positive and productive outlet for expression is essential for young people so that they stay away from the dangers of narcotics abuse,” Riefky said in an official statement confirmed in Jakarta on Friday.
At the commemoration of International Anti-Narcotics Day (HANI) 2026 in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday (22 July), Riefky highlighted that developing the creative ecosystem has become crucial, given that the creative economy now serves as a new engine of national economic growth that effectively safeguards and channels the potential of the younger generation.
“The creative economy offers young people a path to prove themselves and achieve success through talent and real works. With a healthy climate for creative work, we keep them away from the trap of narcotics,” Riefky said.
He added that his presence was a follow-up to a meeting with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) on 9 June 2026 aimed at expanding education and narcotics risk mitigation, while reaffirming the creative economy sector’s commitment to protecting the younger generation.
Engaging the younger generation is considered key because Gen Z and Millennials dominate 63 per cent of the creative sector’s workforce. Through productive creative spaces, the creative economy is expected to shield them from narcotics abuse.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago stressed that narcotics eradication is a national strategic commitment to realising the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
The government will continue to protect the younger generation from the threat of substance abuse, including by strengthening the BNN’s role, improving prevention and early detection, and fostering collaboration across ministries to address evolving narcotics crime methods and the emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS).
“I repeat, narcotics eradication is an absolute requirement to achieve Golden Indonesia by 2045 — a firm form of national political and strategic commitment,” Djamari said.
BNN chief Commissioner Suyudi Ario Seto likewise stated that efforts to prevent and eradicate narcotics go beyond law enforcement, encompassing cooperation to build the younger generation’s resilience so they avoid the trap of drugs from an early age.
“Through cross-sector collaboration, we can sever the roots of socio-economic problems while providing productive and meaningful life choices for the future of our nation’s children,” Suyudi added.