Jakarta, 30 March, 2026 – The Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, is exploring opportunities for collaboration between Indonesia and Ireland in advancing the creative industry as a driver of economic growth.
The Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, attended Ireland’s National Day celebration, Saint Patrick’s Day, at The Summit Café, Jakarta, on Monday (March 30, 2026).
This was conveyed during his attendance at Ireland’s National Day celebration, Saint Patrick’s Day, at The Summit Café, Jakarta, on Monday (March 30).
The Minister of Creative Economy assessed that Ireland is one of the appropriate partners to support Indonesia’s creative economy ecosystem in expanding into the international market.
“The creative economy has become one of the main engines driving Indonesia’s growth, fueled by ideas, innovation, and talent. It not only creates jobs, but also shapes a more inclusive and forward-looking economy. In this context, Ireland is a suitable partner, with strengths in storytelling content, digital industries, literature, and film, reflecting a globally connected creative ecosystem,” said the Minister of Creative Economy.
Ireland is recorded as one of the largest exporters of creative services in the world, with a value reaching USD 231 billion in 2022. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s exports to Ireland in the computer and data processing machinery sector reached USD 11.9 million in 2024. This connectivity between countries is expected to further foster collaboration.
“The Ministry of Creative Economy will continue to support greater talent exchanges, including student exchanges, artist residencies, and joint cultural initiatives, so that collaboration between Indonesia and Ireland continues to grow not only at the national level but also among global creative communities. This meeting certainly provides space for collaboration, particularly in areas such as games, film co-production, and publishing, where both countries have strong cultural foundations,” said the Minister of Creative Economy.
Doc: Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
On that occasion, the Ambassador of Ireland to Indonesia, Sharon Lennon, expressed appreciation for the presence of the Government of Indonesia, represented by the Minister of Creative Economy and delegation. The meeting underscored the importance of creativity and cultural relations as a bridge for cooperation between the two countries.
“Saint Patrick’s Day is not only a celebration of Ireland, but also of creativity and culture connected to the global community. We see Indonesia as an important partner, making the creative economy central to the cooperation we aim to build and grow together,” said Sharon Lennon.
Sharon Lennon also emphasized Ireland’s commitment to expanding global cooperation, including with Indonesia, through diplomatic missions covering sectors such as fashion business, games, gastronomy, culture, and other creative industries across more than 50 countries.
“We hope that in the future Indonesia can become part of the global Saint Patrick’s Day celebration while further strengthening collaboration among industry players, academics, and creative communities from both countries,” she added.
Doc: Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
During the meeting, the Minister of Creative Economy was accompanied by the Deputy for Digital Creativity and Technology, Muhammad Neil El Himam; Expert Staff to the Minister for Research, Education, and Institutional Relations, Dian Permasari; Director of Marketing Systems and Institutional Relations, Radi Manggala; and Expert Staff to the Minister, Gemintang Kejora Mallarangeng.
Also present were the Deputy Ambassador of Ireland to Indonesia, Eira McDermott; the Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia, Denis Chaibi; the Chargé d’Affaires of Ukraine to Indonesia, Yevhenia Shynkarenko; the Chargé d’Affaires of Costa Rica to Indonesia, Francisco Jose Masis Holdridge; and a representative of the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, Michael Noble.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
