Jakarta, June 11, 2025 — Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, explored the potential for collaboration with Big Bad Wolf (BBW) Books Indonesia to improve public awareness and access to reading materials among the Indonesian public. She also highlighted the need for Indonesia's publishing industry to enhance its competitiveness.
"Through BBW, we can enhance the visibility and global competitiveness of Indonesia’s publishing industry," said Deputy Minister Irene during an audience held at Autograph Tower, Jakarta, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
BBW Books, which originated in Malaysia in 2009, has grown into a global book fair with a strong appeal in Indonesia. Deputy Minister Irene underscored the importance of holding book fairs in public spaces as a way to raise public awareness and interest in reading.
"The publishing industry plays a vital role in promoting literacy and access to information, and it has the potential to become a new engine of growth for the national economy," she added.
Deputy Minister Irene highlighted Indonesia’s strong potential to boost book exports to international markets. To realize this, efforts must be made to enhance both the quality and quantity of Indonesian book production to meet global standards. She encouraged the Indonesian publishing industry to utilize digital technology to improve book distribution and marketing.
Meanwhile, the Deputy for Media Creativity of the Ministry of Creative Economy, Agustini Rahayu, emphasized that the meeting marked an initial step toward strengthening the distribution and promotion of Indonesian books. She stressed the importance of this effort in strengthening the position of the Indonesian publishing industry.
"Through this meeting, we hope to open up new opportunities to improve the quality and quantity of book production and to enhance literacy awareness among the Indonesians," said Deputy Agustini.
In response, Uli Silalahi, President Director of BBW Books Indonesia, stated that BBW is committed to promoting literacy awareness among the Indonesian public. In this effort, BBW Books not only sells books but also plays a role in supporting the publishing industry, raising reading habits, and creating job opportunities.
"We want to be part of the effort to improve educational quality, literacy awareness, and the development of Indonesia’s creative economy through this collaboration," said Uli.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
