Aceh Tamiang, September 11, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) is supporting disaster-affected business players by optimizing and reactivating public spaces that were previously affected by flooding as venues for creative activities. This strategic step aims to restore the productivity and resilience of creative economy players in the aftermath of the disaster.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, attends the ‘Aktivasi Ruang Kreatif Merah Putih’ workshop held at the Hall of the Aceh Tamiang Regency Agriculture and Plantation Office, Friday (11/9/2026).
The tangible support was realized through the ‘Aktivasi Ruang Kreatif Merah Putih’ workshop held at the Hall of the Aceh Tamiang Regency Agriculture and Plantation Office, Friday (11/9/2026). The activity was part of the Ekraf Peduli ‘Pulih Bersama, Bangkit Berdaya’ program series and also represented a concrete implementation of Presidential Decree (Keppres) Number 1 of 2026 concerning the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Natural Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra Provinces.
Under the coordination of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) as Chair of the Task Force Executive Team, the program represents the state’s presence in restoring a creative economy based on local potential in affected areas. Going forward, the program will continue to be evaluated and replicated in other areas requiring similar support.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“I am happy to see the spirit of recovery in Aceh Tamiang. We are here as part of efforts to empower the economy following the disaster. The mandate entrusted to us today is to encourage the creative economy ecosystem to move forward again and grow even stronger. The main focus is to ensure that communities can remain empowered amid these post-disaster conditions,” said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya.
Through the workshop method, participants received intensive practical training on risk mitigation and business resilience, as well as digital promotion strategies. The educational sessions were led by Vice Rector for Finance and General Affairs of Universitas Samudra and disaster management expert Furqan Ishak Aksa, as well as digital media specialist and practitioner Hardian Lutfi Silitonga. During his visit, the Minister of Creative Economy also interacted directly with participants and took the opportunity to create content together with them.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“Post-disaster recovery efforts should not focus solely on physical repairs, but also on strengthening the foundation of the regional creative economy. The creative economy sector can serve as a tangible solution to reduce unemployment while creating new jobs. As the new engine of national growth, the creative economy sector has contributed 7.3 percent to GDP, making it capable of becoming a driver of economic growth for Aceh Tamiang,” said Teuku Riefky.
The in-person training was held over two days, Friday, September 11, 2026, and Saturday, September 12, 2026, and was divided into two separate sessions. A total of 80 participants, consisting of local entrepreneurs, community organizers, and new business pioneers aged 18–45, enthusiastically took part in the entire series of activities.
“Economic growth today is largely driven by the creative economy sector. My message is: let us create positive content that inspires people. Our region was among the hardest hit by the disaster, with 103 offices and village roads destroyed, but we must recover together. I hope the participants will continue to improve their skills through upskilling. Thank you to the Ministry of Creative Economy for organizing this activity,” said Aceh Tamiang Regent Armia Pahmi.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The expected outcomes of this program include stronger local business resilience following the disaster and improved digital adaptability among business players. In addition, networks among creative economy players are expected to become stronger in supporting the sustainable acceleration of regional economic recovery.
“This activity is very beneficial for me personally because I learned how to introduce my products to the wider public through digital media platforms. This Creative Space Activation activity is very useful. Participants can improve their creativity, expand their networks, open up business opportunities, and understand their audiences,” said Farouq, one of the participants.
Also attending the activity were Aceh Tamiang Regional Secretary Suibun Anwar; Chairperson of the Aceh Tamiang Regional House of Representatives (DPRK), Fadlon; and Head of the Tourism, Creative Economy, Youth, and Sports Office of Aceh Tamiang Regency, Muhammad Farij. Meanwhile, the Minister of Creative Economy was accompanied by Deputy for Digital Creativity Neil El Himam; Special Staff to the Minister for Strategic and Interinstitutional Affairs, Rian Firmansyah; and Director of Infrastructure Facilitation, Fahmy Akmal.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
