Jakarta, September 14, 2026 – The government supports a collaboration that presents Pokémon in the form of wayang. Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, described the Project Poke Wayang as a collaboration between local creators and a global Intellectual Property (IP) that expands the reach of Indonesian culture while creating sustainable economic impact.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, delivers remarks at the Project Poke Wayang event at The St. Regis, Jakarta, Monday (14/9/2026).
“Pokémon is an international IP with significant global influence, while wayang is a national identity and cultural heritage that reflects the noble values and character of the nation. Through Poke Wayang, we hope our young people can feel its relevance and once again develop a love for wayang,” said the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy in her remarks at the Pokémon Press Conference: Future Plans for Indonesia 2026–2027, held at The St. Regis Hotel, Jakarta, Monday (14/9).
The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy explained that previous collaborations between Pokémon and Indonesia included a partnership with Garuda Indonesia featuring Pikachu on the aircraft livery, Pikachu in batik, and a music collaboration with dangdut singer Happy Asmara titled Goyang HEPIKA. According to her, the latest Poke Wayang collaboration with Wahyu Dunung Raharjo of Sahabat Wayang demonstrates how the utilization of global IP can sustainably expand the reach of local culture to the international stage.
In addition, the launch of Pokémon Run, Pokémon Sports Project, and the Indonesian-language version of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket (PTCG Pocket) has been carefully prepared specifically for dedicated fans in Indonesia. Various exciting collaborative events between Pokémon and Nintendo are also set to follow in the near future. These projects aim to provide special experiences for people of all ages, tailored to Indonesia’s culture and lifestyle.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“Pikachu in batik making its way to Tokyo is a tangible manifestation of the strength of the creative economy in bringing Indonesia’s local wisdom to the world stage, just like Wayang Pokémon. Wayang is an invaluable UNESCO cultural heritage. By combining this tradition with Pokémon, we are creating a unique pop-culture medium to introduce our cultural richness to the younger generation. It is about empathy, connection, and keeping our traditions alive,” said Irene Umar.
The design and production process of this distinctive art form involved intensive discussions with the Ministry of Creative Economy, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) for nearly a year. Wayang Pokémon will make its debut at the upcoming World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE), held here in Jakarta from October 21–23, 2026. This collaborative effort is expected to foster appreciation among Indonesian youth for traditional heritage through modern entertainment media that is closely connected to their everyday lives.
Corporate Officer of the Asia Business Division at The Pokémon Company, Susumu Fukunaga, said that this collaboration represents an innovative step that combines the rich cultural heritage of wayang kulit with the wonder of the Pokémon world to inspire and bring together young people in Indonesia and around the world.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
“We have discussed and spoken with three ministries in Indonesia. We are especially grateful to Ms. Irene Umar, who has continued to collaborate with us, and we have a mission to introduce the world of Pokémon to even more children in Indonesia,” said Susumu Fukunaga.
Also attending the event were Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, and senior executives of The Pokémon Company. Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy was accompanied by Deputy for Cultural and Design Creativity, Yuke Sri Rahayu; Deputy for Digital Creativity and Technology, Neil El Himam; Director of Games, Luat Sihombing; and Director of Crafts, Neli Yana.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
