Jakarta, September 25, 2026 – Fishing boats in Ternate have been transformed into canvases with the magic of creative hands. Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, stated that this application of creativity further strengthens regional identity while generating inclusive economic added value.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar (left), signs a painting during the inauguration of paintings on fishing boats at Bastiong Fishing Port, Ternate, North Maluku, Thursday (24/9/2026).
"Boats, which usually only serve as a means for people to go out to sea and form part of fishing activities, can now become a story board depicting the life of the North Maluku community. When a boat carries a story, people develop curiosity and recognize that there is something special about this region," the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy expressed during the inauguration of boat paintings at the Bastiong Fishing Port, Ternate, North Maluku, Thursday (9/24).
The brushstrokes by artist Erika Richardo together with North Maluku's local artist community adorned the fishing boats as part of the celebrations for the 27th Anniversary of North Maluku Province. Utilizing the medium of fishing boats, creators merged the fine arts and design subsectors by illustrating the diverse flora, spices, and marine life endemic to North Maluku as a form of visual storytelling.
Beyond the maritime sector and fine arts, the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy also highlighted major opportunities in the culinary and craft subsectors based on local natural potential. North Maluku's flagship commodities, such as moringa and kenari nuts, are considered to hold bright prospects for development into high-added-value creative products through enhanced packaging design and compelling product narrative.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“North Maluku's potential is immensely vast. Moringa leaves and kenari nuts are abundant here, which are known abroad as superfoods and are highly sought after. What we must accomplish together through mutual cooperation and collaboration is to improve packaging and storytelling so that this potential gains wider recognition, not only nationally but globally,” Irene explained.
The Ministry of Creative Economy remains committed to continuously safeguarding the development of regional creative economy ecosystems through synergy involving local governments, communities, business actors, academicians, and the media. Strengthening the capacity of regional creators and cultivating local identity serve as vital pillars in enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian creative economy in the international market.
Through this working visit, the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy ensures the continuity of assistance so that North Maluku's potential in fine arts, tourism, and local products continues to grow exponentially while creating new job opportunities for the local community.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
