Yogyakarta Tourism Office Drives Strengthening of Creative Economy Ecosystem

The Yogyakarta Special Region Tourism Office (Dinpar DIY) continues to push for the strengthening of the creative economy ecosystem, including sectors such as comics and illustration, through various efforts ranging from human resource preparation to the expansion of market networks.

“We are providing promotional facilitation, technical guidance, certification, and even incubation for creative human resource capacity building by collaborating with local governments, the Indonesian Ministry of Creative Economy, and various communities, alongside expanding access to networks and markets,” stated the Head of Dinpar DIY, Imam Prisingga, in Yogyakarta. He expressed hope that these efforts would enable creators in Yogyakarta to continue innovating and penetrating both national and international markets, such as through active participation in comic exhibitions.

Iwan Pramana, Head of the Creative Economy Development Division at the Yogyakarta Tourism Office, noted that the success of local comic artists like Apriyadi Kusbiantoro in reaching international markets demonstrates that Yogyakarta’s creative talents possess the quality, competitiveness, and professional standards required on a global scale. He further observed that the creative economy sector in Yogyakarta holds significant economic potential that extends beyond mere entertainment products. Such works can be developed into intellectual property (IP) that serves as a foundation for various derivative products, including animation, games, merchandise, and other forms of creative industry collaborations.

He encouraged young creators in Yogyakarta to learn from established seniors who have successfully navigated the creative economy. “Yogyakarta possesses strong capital in the creative economy sector due to its traditions in art, culture, education, and active creative communities,” he emphasised.

To date, the Yogyakarta Tourism Office has organised comic creation training in collaboration with activists and communities within the Comic Workers Alliance. The programme also encompasses IP development, business models, marketing, and the monetisation of works. Supporting activities include ‘Comic Marathons’, facilitation of comic-based animation, the provision of co-working spaces for comic enthusiasts, and spaces for discussion and collaboration at the Yogyakarta Kreatif Hub.