Jakarta, July 14, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) remains committed to accelerating national economic growth by optimizing Indonesia's local creative ecosystem. As part of this commitment, Vice Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar welcomed the opportunity to explore a strategic collaboration with Rangkayo Minang Indonesia.
Vice Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar meets with representatives of Rangkayo Minang Indonesia during an audience at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 14, 2026).
"In aligning development programs rooted in local wisdom, this strategic collaboration is expected to maximize the contribution of Minangkabau's cultural heritage in strengthening the pillars of Indonesia's creative economy," said Vice Minister Irene Umar during the meeting.
The collaboration is considered highly strategic, as the fashion subsector remains one of the key pillars of Indonesia's creative economy, contributing 14.77 percent of the sector's output and recording 5.07 percent growth in 2025. Furthermore, the designation of West Sumatra as one of the priority regions for financial inclusion and cultural development reinforces the Ministry's commitment to building a new engine of economic growth starting from the regions.
The discussion focused on opportunities to preserve traditional Minangkabau attire, including the Baju Panjang and Baju Kurung Basiba, by enhancing their economic value while safeguarding their cultural significance. The proposed collaboration also covers cultural promotion initiatives through global cultural diplomacy, youth talent development under the "Rangkayo Mudo" program, and strengthening market access for creative MSMEs.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
"The Ministry of Creative Economy plays a crucial role in facilitating the transformation of Minangkabau traditional attire into adaptive creative products so that Indonesia's cultural identity is not only preserved as a cultural heritage but also becomes economically sustainable. Therefore, we first need a comprehensive list of Minangkabau products and brands so they can be curated and included in the Ministry's programs, enabling them to grow together in the spirit of mutual cooperation and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika," said the Vice Minister.
Meanwhile, Usie Sofyan, Chairperson of Rangkayo Minang Indonesia, expressed appreciation for the Ministry's openness in embracing regional aspirations and local potential. The organization, which was officially established on March 6, 2024, focuses on preserving Minangkabau cultural values while empowering local economic development.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
"This collaboration has inspired us to continue supporting MSMEs and expanding the international promotion of traditional Minangkabau fashion so that it becomes more widely recognized around the world," said Usie Sofyan.
The Vice Minister was accompanied during the meeting by Deputy for Cultural Creativity and Design Yuke Sri Rahayu and Acting Director of Fashion Amir Hamzah.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
