Minister of Creative Economy Encourages East Aceh Woven Mats to Become an Icon of the Creative Economy

Jakarta, August 3, 2026 – Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, discussed efforts to strengthen the craft subsector, particularly woven mats and traditional weaving, as well as the development of creative villages with East Aceh Regent Iskandar Usman Al-Farlaky. The Minister also explored cross-ministerial collaboration to support the development of the Southeast Asian Islamic Monument (MONISA) area.

Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, receives a courtesy visit from East Aceh Regent, Iskandar Usman Al-Farlaky, at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta, Monday (August 3, 2026).

"We can focus on woven mats first. If this initiative succeeds, other villages can follow, making it a pilot project. Women artisans can strengthen production, while we encourage our younger generation to become content creators and market these products through digital platforms," said the Minister during a meeting at the Autograph Tower Building, Jakarta, on Monday (August 3).

The Minister also announced that, in the second half of 2026, the Ministry of Creative Economy will implement three programs in East Aceh: Creative Space Activation to enhance the capacity of artisans, Facility Assistance through the provision of production-support equipment, and Human Resource Capacity Building for young people through content creation and digital marketing training to enable them to promote local products across various digital platforms.

Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.

During the meeting, the East Aceh Regent also presented several strategic issues facing the region, including post-flood recovery efforts that require cross-ministerial support. In addition, Regent Iskandar outlined the development plan for the MONISA area, which is expected to serve as a driver of the local economy.

"East Aceh has significant craft potential that can be developed through creative villages, particularly woven mats and traditional weaving. We hope the Ministry of Creative Economy can provide guidance and follow-up support so that these potentials can grow into drivers of the local economy while strengthening the region's identity," said Regent Iskandar.

Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.

Accompanying the Minister during the meeting were Director of Infrastructure Facilitation at the Ministry of Creative Economy, Fahmy Akmal, along with officials from the Ministry.

Meanwhile, Regent Iskandar was accompanied by Acting Head of the East Aceh Social Affairs Office, Saharani, along with officials from the East Aceh Regency Government.

Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency