Jakarta, October 17, 2026 – Minister of Creative Economy / Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) Teuku Riefky Harsya sees opportunities to develop Nusantara’s royal palace heritage into creative products with economic value. With proper management, this cultural wealth can generate value and open up business opportunities for communities.
Minister of Creative Economy / Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) Teuku Riefky Harsya opened the 2026 National Dialogue on Nusantara’s Royal Palaces and the Grand Assembly of Kings and Sultans of Nusantara, organized by the Nusantara Royal Palaces Friendship Forum (FSKN), Jakarta, Saturday (October 17, 2026).
He made the statement while opening the 2026 National Dialogue on Nusantara’s Royal Palaces and the Grand Assembly of Kings and Sultans of Nusantara, organized by the Nusantara Royal Palaces Friendship Forum (FSKN), under the theme “Making Jakarta a Showcase of Nusantara’s Cultural Beauty in Anticipation of Jakarta’s 500th Anniversary.”
“Royal palace heritage carries not only historical significance but also economic potential that can be developed. The stories, heirlooms, and traditions passed down through generations can be transformed into various creative products, ranging from films to souvenirs,” Minister Riefky said at Hotel Aryaduta Menteng, Jakarta, on Saturday (October 17).
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Minister Riefky added that developing this potential requires collaboration across ministries. The Ministry of Culture plays a role in preserving and revitalizing royal palaces, the Ministry of Tourism develops history-based destinations, while the Ministry of Creative Economy encourages the creation of creative works and commercial products. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Cooperatives can support business management and product marketing.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized the importance of revitalizing royal palaces, royal residences, and museums as centers for cultural advancement. He noted that the restoration and improvement of historic buildings should be accompanied by better exhibition arrangements and collection management to make historical knowledge more accessible to the public.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“We want royal palaces, royal residences, and museums to become vibrant cultural centers that are increasingly engaging and attractive to visitors. Their potential extends beyond historical collections to include distinctive souvenirs and culinary products based on traditional recipes. Therefore, collaboration with the Ministry of Creative Economy is important to create products with distinctive character and economic value,” Fadli Zon said.
Meanwhile, FSKN Chairman A.A. Mapparessa Karaeng Turikale VIII Maros stated that one of the most pressing needs for Nusantara’s royal palaces and kingdoms is documenting their histories and institutional identities. FSKN has proposed compiling an encyclopedia covering the origins of kingdoms, genealogies, traditions, and tangible and intangible cultural assets. This structured documentation is expected to serve as a reference for policymaking and for determining preservation priorities.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“We propose that documentation of Nusantara’s royal palaces and kingdoms go beyond codification and be developed into a more complete and comprehensive encyclopedia. The kings, sultans, and traditional leaders are ready to support this process because they have firsthand knowledge of the histories and traditions passed down through generations. We hope the results will provide a clear basis for the government to determine how best to support royal palaces in various regions,” Mapparessa said.
The national dialogue is part of the 2026 FSKN Grand Assembly of Kings and Sultans of Nusantara, held in a hybrid format in Jakarta from October 15–18, 2026. The forum also discussed proposals concerning the protection of royal palace institutions, the revitalization of cultural assets, and festivals involving kingdoms and Indigenous communities. The event serves as a consolidation agenda for FSKN ahead of the end of its 2021–2026 leadership term.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
As a follow-up, Minister Riefky asked FSKN to prepare a work plan for discussion with relevant ministries and regional governments. The plan is expected to provide a foundation for developing creative products rooted in royal palace history and traditions while opening up economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
