Jakarta, August 19, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) has recognized automotive modification as one of the 21 creative economy subsectors. The designation is stipulated in the Presidential Regulation on the 2026–2045 National Creative Economy Masterplan (Rindekraf), established by President Prabowo Subianto.
Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, attended and delivered remarks at the NMAA IMI SEMA Project 2026 press conference at Gedung Joang 45, Jakarta, Wednesday (August 19, 2026).
This recognition was among the reasons Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, attended the NMAA IMI SEMA Project 2026 press conference at Gedung Joang 45, Jakarta, on Wednesday (August 19).
His presence also served as an appreciation for the departure of the BMW Passato, a vehicle created by an Indonesian builder, to the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, United States. The moment is expected to mark a milestone in history and inspire more Indonesian works to enter global markets.
“Today, at Gedung Joang 45, a place deeply rooted in the history of our nation’s struggle, we are witnessing a new chapter in the journey of Indonesia’s automotive modification creative industry. May this historic journey from this place to the global stage inspire us that Indonesian modification works can not only thrive domestically, but also gain wider recognition and contribute to the national economy,” said Teuku Riefky.
The Ministry of Creative Economy emphasized that the recognition of automotive modification as part of the national creative industry reflects the positive development of talent and the automotive modification ecosystem, which creates added value through creativity, innovation, engineering, and vehicle personalization.
Under the new regulation, automotive modification is no longer merely a hobby, but a creative economic activity whose contribution can be measured through investment, exports, job creation, and its contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Strengthening the automotive modification ecosystem—from talent development, innovation, and intellectual property to expanded access to financing and markets—requires a commitment to hexahelix collaboration involving associations such as IMI and NMAA, the government, academia, media, business players, and financial institutions.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“The modification and aftermarket industry involves a wide range of talent, from builders, designers, and technicians to aftermarket component manufacturers, local brands, communities, media, and content creators across various regions. They not only create aesthetically compelling works, but also generate employment and strengthen the automotive industry value chain from upstream to downstream. When the BMW Passato appears at the SEMA Show, what is being showcased is not merely a car, but also a story of Indonesia’s creativity and the quality of its modification ecosystem,” said Teuku Riefky.
The NMAA IMI SEMA Project 2026 is a collaborative project initiated by the National Modificator & Aftermarket Association (NMAA) and the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) as part of the Indonesia Modification & Lifestyle Expo (IMX) 2026 series, themed “Next Gen Culture.” The program carries a diplomatic mission to demonstrate the capabilities and quality of Indonesian modification works at the world’s largest automotive aftermarket and modification exhibition, the SEMA Show 2026, in Las Vegas, United States, from November 3–6, 2026.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“Our main mission through Semangat45 is to bring a modified vehicle created by Indonesian talents to the world’s largest international stage, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, United States. The vehicle was intensively developed together with builders and through collaboration involving various local products. We hope this will demonstrate the high standards of Indonesia’s modification industry to a global audience,” said IMX Project Director and Director of Modification and Electric Vehicles at the Central Executive Board of IMI, Andre Muljadi.
On the occasion, the Minister of Creative Economy was accompanied by Deputy for Cultural and Design Creativity at the Ministry of Creative Economy, Yuke Sri Rahayu, and Minister’s Expert Staff for Strategic and Inter-Institutional Affairs, Gemintang Kejora Mallarangeng.
The event was also attended by Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia), Frits Novianto Suhendar, and Chairman of the Central Executive Board of IMI, Moreno Soeprapto.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
