Jakarta, 20 April, 2026 – The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, welcomed the plan to hold a photography competition and exhibition for children and youth organized by the AWAN community from June 20 to July 26, 2026, in Jakarta. According to her, this initiative is part of introducing the creative economy from an early age.
The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, received an audience with the AWAN Community at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office in Jakarta on Monday (April 20, 2026).
The Deputy Minister also suggested that the photography competition and exhibition be designed sustainably. In this regard, organizers could educate participants so that their works can be distributed through photo-selling platforms, thereby generating economic value.
“They are not only learning photography and expressing themselves, which often ends there. In fact, it can be further explored. We can teach them to upload their works to platforms such as Canva and Shutterstock, which can lead to commercialization. It can generate income and potentially become passive income for them in the future. So this is not only about creativity, but also about economic value. Later, their parents can help manage it,” said Irene Umar during the audience with the AWAN community at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office in Jakarta on Monday (April 20).
Beyond that, such efforts can also expand the reach of Indonesian children’s photography to the international level. Irene further suggested that participants’ works could be compiled into a book, allowing the perspectives behind the works to be conveyed more comprehensively.
Doc: Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“These photos can also be printed as pre-orders, making them more interactive. If people want to know the stories behind the children’s photos, they can be explained,” she added.
AWAN is a community engaged in mentoring, training, and character development for children and youth through various supporting activities focused on creativity skills and initiative.
The photography competition and exhibition, known as AWAN CERAH 2026, is planned to be held at the Emiria Soenassa Gallery, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta. Participants are children aged up to 16 years old. The jury panel includes photographer Davy Linggar; architect active in visual arts, photography, and art direction, Jay Subiakto; fashion designer Didit Hediprasetyo; along with several other prominent figures.
Source: Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“We believe that every child and young person has a unique perspective on the world and culture. When they capture moments of cultural arts—dance, colors, rituals, and sounds—they are not only taking photographs but also preserving the collective memory of the nation’s culture,” said the initiator of the AWAN community, Retno Audite.
During the audience, the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy was accompanied by the Director of Publishing and Photography at the Ministry of Creative Economy, Iman Santosa.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
