Jakarta, July 7, 2025 – The government reaffirmed the vital role of culture as a driver of the creative economy during the National Working Meeting and Thanksgiving for the 18th Anniversary of Punguan Simbolon dohot Boruna Indonesia (PSBI). The event was attended by the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY); Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya; Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon; as well as 700 PSBI members.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf - Kementerian Ekraf Siap Kolaborasi dengan PSBI untuk Hidupkan Ekonomi Kreatif dari Samosir, Jakarta, Senin (7/7/2025).
In his remarks, Coordinating Minister AHY congratulated PSBI on its anniversary and expressed hope that PSBI would continue to bridge culture and the creative economy to drive national progress.
"I hope the presence of the Minister of Creative Economy will inspire the people of Samosir to unlock their creative potential and showcase their uniqueness to a wider audience, including the international community. PSBI already has the DNA for fostering togetherness, synergy, and collaboration with various ministries," said Coordinating Minister AHY during the event, held at The Ballroom Pondok Indah Golf Course, Jakarta, on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf.
The Minister of Creative Economy emphasized the importance of cultural and creative industries as key engines of regional economic growth, particularly in Samosir Regency. He praised PSBI for its efforts to promote both Batak culture and the local creative economy.
"This aligns with President Prabowo’s vision to ensure the creative industry thrives across Indonesia. If culture is strong, there lies the potential for creative industries to gain wider recognition," said Minister Teuku Riefky.
He added that cultural values are closely aligned with the national development agenda. He emphasized that development is not solely the domain of elites or the central government, but also of local governments and communities from all backgrounds, across various identities, generations, and professions, thereby creating opportunities for participation.
The Minister of Creative Economy reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with PSBI through technology, innovation, and digitalization. With culture-based intellectual property as a foundation, the Minister expressed hope that Indonesian cultures, including Batak culture, could become a tool for global diplomacy.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf.
"We can maximize the entire creative industry value chain – from creation, production, distribution, and consumption, to conservation. For example, at the creation stage we need to invest in talent and upskilling; at the distribution stage we must ensure online and offline reach; and in marketing we must aim to enter national and even global markets," explained Minister Teuku Riefky.
President Prabowo sees immense potential in Indonesia’s creative industry and believes that culture and creative economy must go hand in hand to improve human capital and strengthen the national economy.
"The state advances Indonesia’s national culture amid global civilization by ensuring its people preserve and develop cultural values. The establishment of the Ministry of Culture will serve as a strategic partner in promoting culture as a form of soft power. May we always remain committed to advancing our culture, because a civilized nation honors its own culture," said the Minister of Culture.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf.
PSBI is a kinship-based organization of the Batak Simbolon community with thousands of member families, actively promoting Batak culture since 2006.
As a kinship-based organization, PSBI is also ready to serve as a strategic partner for the government in preserving local cultural roots and transforming them into programs that strengthen national unity.
"This is an annual event we hold regularly. PSBI is a kinship-based community organization that embraces members from various religious backgrounds. Since the era of President SBY, we have consistently organized the Pesta Bolon Simbolon in Samosir, featuring art and music performances, congresses, and sporting events," said PSBI Chairman, Effendi Simbolon.
The Minister of Creative Economy was accompanied by Deputy for Cultural and Design Creativity, Yuke Sri Rahayu; Director for Culinary, Andy Ruswar; and Director for Marketing System and Institutional Relations Development, Radi Manggala. Also present was the Regent of Central Tapanuli, Masinton Pasaribu.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
