Jakarta, May 11, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Indonesian photographers in advancing to a higher level and competing globally. This commitment is being implemented through the strengthening of an integrated and sustainable photography industry ecosystem.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, received an audience with PT Benih Kreasi Indonesia at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office in Jakarta on Monday (11/5/2026).
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, stated that this effort requires collaborative spaces that bring together creative economy practitioners, including photographers, communities, associations, and various stakeholders.
“The Ministry of Creative Economy sees photography as having great potential to become a leading subsector of the creative economy, despite the many challenges it faces. Therefore, we will continue to support collaborative spaces and initiatives that can accommodate communities, associations, and photographers so they can move together in building a stronger and more sustainable ecosystem,” said Irene during an audience with PT Benih Kreasi Indonesia at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office in Jakarta on Monday (11/5).
Documentation by Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Irene added that strengthening the photography subsector cannot rely solely on ceremonial activities, but must also focus on expanding market access, improving the quality of human resources, and protecting works and intellectual property rights.
“The most important thing is how we can expand the market and open wider access for Indonesian photographers. The government wants the photography subsector not only to grow domestically, but also to appear and compete internationally through collaboration, promotion, and the strengthening of professional standards,” she added.
Documentation by Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Meanwhile, Founder of PT Benih Kreasi Indonesia, Lucia Hartanto, stated that Indonesia has many talented photographers, but still needs a system capable of supporting the comprehensive growth of the creative industry.
Through the Indonesia Photography Summit initiative, Benih Kreasi Indonesia aims to create a photography forum that brings together the government, creators, communities, and institutions through discussion forums, workshops, expert sharing sessions, bazaars, and community experience zones.
“Indonesia is not lacking talented photographers. What is needed now is a system that can help them grow, gain recognition, receive protection, and access broader economic opportunities. The Indonesia Photography Summit is expected to become a collaborative platform for building a healthier and more sustainable photography ecosystem,” said Lucia.
Documentation by Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The audience also discussed the importance of photographers adapting to technological developments, including the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI), improving the quality of creative workforce talent, and strengthening copyright protection and the works of Indonesian photographers to reinforce the national creative economy ecosystem.
During the meeting, the Deputy Minister was accompanied by the Director of Publishing and Photography of the Ministry of Creative Economy, Iman Santosa.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
