Jakarta, August 17, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) set a Guinness World Records (GWR) record as part of the series of events commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. A total of 306 Ekraf employees helped bring the Ministry of Creative Economy to the global stage through the achievement of Largest Gathering of People Wearing Traditional Indonesian Woven Textiles.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, receives the Guinness World Records (GWR) award as part of the series of events commemorating the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Monday (August 17, 2026).
“This world record is a tangible achievement in showcasing more Nusantara woven textiles from every region, each with distinctive characteristics that represent the philosophy and identity of the local communities. As interest in the fashion subsector continues to grow, wearing Nusantara woven textiles remains relevant to today’s lifestyle while offering economic value. The appeal of combining and matching these textiles reminds us that Indonesia is a country rich in cultural heritage, which forms part of the strength of Indonesia’s creative economy,” said Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, while receiving the GWR award at the Auditorium of Pesona Indonesia Film Building, Jakarta, on Monday (August 17).
Wearing outfits featuring Nusantara Woven Textiles such as songket, ikat, lurik, endek, and ulos, all participants sought to combine and match two distinctive elements of fashion styles from various regions. The cultural dimensions and identities of Indonesia have also become increasingly appealing to the fashion subsector as it seeks to shine on the global stage.
The official GWR adjudicator recorded that the record was successfully broken with the participation of 306 people wearing authentic woven textiles produced using non-machine looms (ATBM: Alat Tenun Bukan Mesin). Wearing Nusantara woven textiles, this historic moment also contributed to supporting the livelihoods of traditional weaving artisans while preserving a more environmentally friendly cultural heritage.
The Minister of Creative Economy explained that the record-breaking achievement serves as a means of introducing Nusantara woven textiles while promoting the sustainability of the creative economy ecosystem involving weavers, artisans, designers, fashion practitioners, and the wider community. The achievement was also described as the finest gift for the anniversary of Indonesia’s independence.
“The creative economy must be able to transform cultural heritage into economic benefits for the community. Behind Nusantara woven textiles lie traditional knowledge, creativity, talent, and a productive economic value chain. Therefore, we want Nusantara woven textiles to become more widely known, used, and promoted, both domestically and on the global stage,” said Teuku Riefky.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Echoing this statement, Official Adjudicator of GWR Austin Johnson confirmed the achievement following the verification process. The diversity of woven textiles from various regions demonstrates the creativity of Indonesian communities, which can continue to be developed through design innovation, quality improvements, and expanded market access for the fashion subsector.
“The minimum requirement for this record is 250 people, and I can confirm that the Ministry of Creative Economy has reached 306 people. The Ministry of Creative Economy has earned a Guinness World Records title in a new category,” said Austin Johnson.
The GWR judging process took place over 90 minutes following the Independence Day ceremony. Participants wearing Nusantara woven textiles also came from various work units within the Ministry of Creative Economy, including the Ministry Secretariat/Main Secretariat, Deputy for Strategic Creative Economy Development, Deputy for Cultural and Design Creativity, Deputy for Digital and Technology Creativity, and Deputy for Media Creativity.
Through the GWR record, Indonesia not only commemorated its independence but also celebrated the creativity, diversity, and local wisdom of creative economy talents from across the country. This initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen culture-based creativity as a foundation for economic growth while reinforcing Indonesia’s identity on the global stage.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency Teuku Riefky Harsya was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar; Secretary of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Secretary General of the Creative Economy Agency Dessy Ruhati; Acting Deputy for Strategic Creative Economy Development Agus Syarip Hidayat; Deputy for Digital and Technology Creativity Muhammad Neil El Himam; Director of Crafts Neli Yana; as well as the Minister’s Special Staff and Expert Staff. Also present were Indonesian Business Representative of GWR Jonathan Caleb Medellu; Founder and Chair of MCorp Hermawan Kartajaya; Corporate Secretary of MCorp Estania Rimadini; and Business Analyst of MCorp Putri Yasmin Fathina.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
