Yogyakarta, 15 April, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, conducted a working visit and expressed appreciation for Kampung Mrican, Sleman, Yogyakarta, which successfully received the Ammodo Architecture Award 2025 in the Social Architecture category. The area represents a transformation of the banks of the Gajah Wong River from a flood-prone slum settlement into a green and livable residential environment, driven by strong synergy between the community and the government.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, conducted a working visit and expressed appreciation for Kampung Mrican, which won the Ammodo Architecture Award 2025 in the Social Architecture category, Yogyakarta, on Wednesday (15/4/2026).
“The success of Kampung Mrican is not merely about architectural aesthetics or awards. It is tangible proof of the strength of community-driven initiatives that can transform the environment into a more productive and competitive space through the creative economy,” said the Deputy Minister on Wednesday (15/4).
The Deputy Minister was warmly welcomed by a women’s community group at a traditional joglo pavilion, who introduced innovations from the Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) through the cultivation of mustard greens and mushrooms on limited land. This urban farming initiative demonstrates efforts to strengthen food sovereignty while serving as a driver of sustainable local economic activity.
Doc. Bureau for Communication Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
The visit continued to the Microlibrary, which serves as a literacy hub for residents, followed by a review of the Flood Monitoring Post. The presence of these facilities reflects the alignment between human resource development and disaster preparedness in Kampung Mrican. The integration of educational spaces and environmental safety systems forms a key foundation in creating a creative tourism area that is not only intelligent but also safe for the community.
A notable moment occurred when the Deputy Minister walked along the Pelang River Bridge. In this area, she was impressed by the eco-enzyme innovation produced by residents from fruit peel waste. The neatly packaged product offers multifunctional benefits, ranging from wound treatment, floor and clothing cleaner, to fertilizer and powder-based applications.
Doc. Bureau for Communication Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
“Environmental innovations such as eco-enzyme represent the future of the creative economy. Transforming waste into valuable products is the essence of creativity that directly impacts both community income and environmental health,” she stated.
The village’s main strength lies in its highly active and independent community, including waste bank groups, fish farmers, batik artisans, and river conservation activists. The synergy among these groups serves as the driving force in preserving the environment while stimulating the local economy.
“We are very pleased with the Deputy Minister’s visit and hope that the various community groups here will receive continued support so that this village can become more independent and evolve into a resilient creative economy hub. Our main strength lies in the unity of our community,” said Head of Dukuh Pringwulung, Sahid Fahrudin.
Doc. Bureau for Communication Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
The visit concluded at RTP Gatotkaca, an iconic public space that blends modern design with local character as a center for cultural and social interaction. The Deputy Minister expressed hope that Kampung Mrican can serve as a national model of community-driven development and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the continued growth of this ecosystem to achieve greater impact and inspire other regions across Indonesia.
During the visit, the Deputy Minister of Creative Economy was accompanied by Director of Visual Arts and Performing Arts, Dadam Mahdar; Special Staff to the Minister for Strengthening the Creative Economy Ecosystem, Jago Anggara; and Expert Staff for Regulation and Institutional Affairs, Dahana Esa Putera.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
