Jakarta, July 3, 2026 – Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, commended Foufo, the latest film produced by SKAK Studios and SinemArt. The Ministry of Creative Economy has supported the project since its production stage, recognizing its strong emphasis on local culture, regional talent, and creative potential.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya (left), speaks with Bayu Skak (right), Director and Founder of SKAK Studios, during the gala premiere of Foufo at Epicentrum XXI, Jakarta, on Friday (July 3, 2026).
“We appreciate the efforts of Bayu and the teams at SKAK Studios and SinemArt in bringing Madurese local wisdom to the big screen. Last year, Bayu visited the Ministry of Creative Economy to introduce Foufo. Today, we see that commitment has come to life as a film ready to be enjoyed by audiences. This proves that stories from the regions can become compelling entertainment while also generating significant economic value,” said Minister Teuku Riefky while attending the Foufo gala premiere at Epicentrum XXI, Jakarta, on Friday (July 3).
The Ministry's support began during the film's development phase through a series of strategic discussions. These included opportunities to strengthen the film's Intellectual Property (IP), facilitate cross-sector collaboration, and expand public awareness through various promotional initiatives. The production involved approximately 90 percent local talent—many of them newcomers—as well as 120 animators from Hompimpa Animworks Surabaya who contributed to developing the Foufo characters.
The Minister emphasized that Foufo demonstrates how culture can serve as the foundation for creative economy products that generate added value for society. By embracing regional languages, providing opportunities for emerging talent, and developing strong intellectual property, the film represents a strategic step toward strengthening Indonesia's creative economy ecosystem.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“Culture should not only be preserved but also transformed through creativity, innovation, and technology into products that create economic value. We hope more filmmakers across Indonesia will have the confidence to bring local wisdom to life through creative works,” said the Minister.
Foufo Director and SKAK Studios Founder Bayu Skak expressed his appreciation for the Ministry's support, particularly in facilitating networking opportunities and production activities in the region. According to him, the Ministry's vision of building the creative economy from the regions closely aligns with the spirit behind Foufo.
“The Ministry of Creative Economy's vision of building the creative economy from the regions is fully aligned with what we aim to achieve through Foufo. We want to demonstrate that talents from across Indonesia have equal opportunities to create and thrive in the national film industry,” said Bayu.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Beyond the film itself, Foufo is also being developed as an intellectual property (IP) through merchandise and various creative activation programs. Featuring dialogue predominantly in regional languages, the film is scheduled for nationwide theatrical release on July 9, 2026.
During the gala premiere, Minister Teuku Riefky was accompanied by Deputy for Media Creativity Cecep Rukendi and Director of Film, Animation, and Video Doni Setiawan.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
