Jakarta, July 21, 2026 – Vice Minister of Creative Economy/Vice Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, received Southwest Sumba Regent Ratu Ngadu B. Wulla at the Ministry of Creative Economy's office in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 21). The meeting focused on the vast creative economy potential of Southwest Sumba Regency, supported by its rich cultural heritage, including traditional ikat weaving, handicrafts, local cuisine, performing arts, and tourism destinations.
Vice Minister of Creative Economy/Vice Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar (right), speaks with Southwest Sumba Regent Ratu Ngadu Bonu Wulla (left) during an official meeting at the Ministry of Creative Economy's office in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 21, 2026).
During the meeting, the Vice Minister highlighted the significant economic potential of Indonesia's traditional handwoven textiles, including those produced in Southwest Sumba. She emphasized that every woven textile product should be supported by compelling storytelling to enhance its added value and strengthen its competitiveness in the marketplace.
"Our handwoven textiles are truly exceptional. The question is, what makes Southwest Sumba's textiles unique? To be honest, people often see textiles from Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, and West Nusa Tenggara as one and the same. Everything tends to be grouped together," said the Vice Minister.
The Vice Minister further emphasized that strengthening product value through storytelling, improving product quality, and expanding market access would not only enhance the competitiveness of Southwest Sumba's woven textiles but also deliver tangible benefits to local weavers. In doing so, preserving cultural heritage can go hand in hand with improving community livelihoods, allowing the creative economy to become a driver of inclusive and sustainable regional economic growth.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The Ministry of Creative Economy also continues to collaborate with various partners to introduce Indonesian handwoven textiles to international audiences. One such initiative is through the MASA exhibition held in Singapore.
"If we market these products in more modern settings, we can demonstrate that traditional craftsmanship still belongs in contemporary spaces as something distinctive and remarkable. That way, people will appreciate it even more," the Vice Minister explained.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Meanwhile, Southwest Sumba Regent Ratu Ngadu B. Wulla stated that the regency possesses abundant cultural assets, community creativity, and economic potential that can be developed into a competitive creative economy. However, realizing this potential requires strengthened human resources, product development, improved market access, and sustained collaboration.
"We are not only seeking support, but also offering our commitment to work together. With Southwest Sumba's rich cultural heritage and the Ministry of Creative Economy's support, we are confident that the creative economy can become a key driver of community prosperity while strengthening Indonesia's cultural identity," she said.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
