Jakarta, June 7, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, emphasized the role of humans as the source of creativity in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Deputy Minister stated that AI is merely a tool, while humans must maximize its potential.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar speaks at the Urban Talks with IdeaFest session, “Navigating The Future Through Human Creativity,” held at Teater Kecil, Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Sunday (June 7, 2026).
“Artificial Intelligence is merely a tool. The source of creativity remains human beings. Experience, emotions, empathy, and the ability to understand context cannot be replaced. As long as people have the courage to think and create, we will continue to have an advantage,” said the Deputy Minister during the Urban Talks with IdeaFest session, Navigating The Future Through Human Creativity, held at Teater Kecil, Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), on Sunday (June 7).
The discussion focused on the role of humans and artificial intelligence within the creative ecosystem, urban planning, and Intellectual Property (IP). According to the Deputy Minister, technology, including AI, should be utilized and should not be viewed solely as a threat to the various creative economy subsectors.
Documentation: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“Our greatest challenge is not avoiding AI or other technological tools. We must remain human and continue to humanize others. Everyone has the potential to become a creator of Intellectual Property. Many Indonesian IPs have already gained recognition in global markets through the effective use of technology. The internet is available, and gadgets are already in our hands. Use the internet as a platform to test market acceptance and build a portfolio, so that you can confidently expand into global markets,” she added.
Head of the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of the Jakarta Provincial Government, Atika Nur Rahmania, explained that technology should strengthen human capacity in serving the public rather than replace the human role.
Documentation: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“AI can help identify patterns and accelerate the initial stages of urban planning, but decisions still require empathy and an understanding of human behavior. Information systems and integrated platforms such as Jakarta Satu are not solely data-driven; they also require sensitivity to the needs of the people they serve,” Atika explained.
Meanwhile, Maghfiro Ridho Maulana, initiator of IdeaFriends by IdeaFest, stated that creative works or Intellectual Property derived from human experiences continue to possess an appeal that cannot be fully replicated by artificial intelligence.
“Human beings remain at the center of all creativity. We can sense the difference between works generated solely from patterns and those that emerge from human experiences and emotions. Ultimately, creativity will always return to human authenticity,” Ridho added.
Documentation: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Another speaker, William Reynold, Founder of Urun Daya Kota Foundation, highlighted technological advancement as a challenge that requires society to preserve its human identity.
“The urban perspective consists of three elements: people, space, and identity, all interconnected through interaction. By maintaining ethics, reasoning, and our humanity, anyone can develop Intellectual Property grounded in strong narratives and values,” said William.
Documentation: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The discussion formed part of the Jakarta Future Festival 2026, which also highlighted the importance of a healthy Intellectual Property ecosystem through copyright protection, cross-subsector collaboration, and the creation of sustainable economic value. During the event, the Deputy Minister also visited the food and beverage market area, the Free Health Check-up zone at Galeri Oesman Effendi, and attended a musical performance by Kahitna together with the Presidential Special Envoy for the Creative Economy, Yovie Widianto.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
