Jakarta, May 18, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, received an audience with the Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI) at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office in Jakarta on Monday (18/5). The meeting discussed opportunities for collaboration in strengthening the green building ecosystem, sustainability education, and the development of community-based programs through a creative economy approach.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, received an audience with the Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI) at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office in Jakarta on Monday (18/5/2026).
During the meeting, the Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of presenting sustainability issues in ways that are more relatable and easier for the public to understand. The goal is to encourage the wider adoption of environmentally friendly principles, including among younger generations and local communities.
“Green buildings should not only be viewed as certifications for large-scale buildings. We want sustainability concepts to be understood even at the smallest community level, because when people directly experience the benefits, such as energy efficiency, waste management, and healthier environments, change will happen more naturally,” said Irene Umar.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted that creative approaches can serve as effective tools to expand public literacy on sustainability, through mediums such as films, public activities, and collaborations with public figures.
“We want sustainability to become something grounded and easy to understand. Young people today have strong concerns about environmental issues. The challenge is how we create collaborative spaces and creative approaches so that the message of sustainability can be embraced more widely,” Irene added.
Documentation by the Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
To support this effort, the Ministry of Creative Economy opened opportunities for synergy with GBCI to expand public education regarding sustainable lifestyles. This initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen the creative economy as the new engine of growth toward Indonesia Emas 2045.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of GBCI, Ignesjz Kemalawarta, explained that GBCI is an independent non-profit organization established in 2009 and part of the World Green Building Council network, which spans more than 70 countries. GBCI focuses on developing the green building industry through certification, education and training, market strengthening, and collaborative sustainability programs.
“Our focus is on how buildings, regions, and industries can implement green principles in accordance with sustainability standards. Therefore, we warmly welcome opportunities for collaboration with the Ministry of Creative Economy to broaden sustainability education and public outreach,” said Ignesjz.
During the meeting, GBCI also presented plans for the “Green Building Festival” scheduled for September 2026, which will feature various public education programs, including the “Green Building Goes to Kampung” initiative aimed at increasing public understanding of environmentally friendly practices through simple and practical approaches.
Documentation by the Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The discussion also covered the potential development of green financing, the use of smart sensor technologies for energy efficiency, and the strengthening of low-carbon building ecosystems that support national emission reduction targets.
The audience was attended by members of the GBCI leadership and representatives from various sectors, including architecture, design, communication, partnerships, and sustainability program development.
Also accompanying the Deputy Minister were Special Staff for Ecosystem and Data Development, Jago Anggara; Director of Architecture and Design, Sabar Norma Megawati Panjaitan; and Expert Staff for Regulation and Institutional Affairs, Dahana Esha Putra.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
