Semarang, June 28, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar officially inaugurated the Grand Opening of Awann Creative & Redmiller Experience Gallery in Semarang, Central Java. This creative space is dedicated to nurturing local artists and positioning the creative economy as the new engine of growth.
“We are starting to bridge the connection between the central and regional levels. This is not just a gallery—it is a stage for creative economy talents to showcase their finest works. What we discussed at the Ministry of Creative Economy office 11 days ago has become a reality today,” said Deputy Minister Irene during the Grand Opening on Saturday, 28 June 2025.
The gallery’s establishment marks a concrete step toward supporting the growth of Semarang’s creative industry while strengthening the intellectual property (IP) ecosystem of local talents. Deputy Minister Irene’s visit today follows up on her previous meeting with Awann Creative on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
Awann Creative is also part of the Costa Creative Week program, which features the Aidia IP Market, creative economy workshops, and intellectual property exhibitions. The gallery showcases contemporary art pieces, including art toys, posters, and other visual works combined with immersive technology. One of its featured flagship IP characters is Redmiller Blood by Peter Rhian Gunawan, previously presented in Mandalika.
According to Deputy Minister Irene, creative economy talents—especially the younger generation—must make the most of spaces like this. She also emphasized the importance of creating meeting points between artists, industries, and the government.
“Don’t hesitate. Don’t think your work isn’t worthy yet. Spaces like this are exactly where we can discover hidden potential,” Deputy Minister Irene said.
The Deputy Minister noted that while artists often focus on the creation process, marketing and commercialization require support from other stakeholders. This is why collaboration is key to building a sustainable creative economy ecosystem.
“We need more stages—not only in Semarang, but also in Jakarta, other regions, and even globally. Let’s make Indonesian creations an integral part of the country’s creative economy power,” Deputy Minister Irene said.
Deputy Minister Irene also highlighted that the Ministry of Creative Economy, which has been in operation for just 250 days, aims to position the creative economy as the new engine of growth, with a target contribution of 8% to the national GDP. She noted that this can be achieved by starting from the regions—such as Semarang—through the importance of hexahelix collaboration.
The opening was attended by Mayor of Semarang Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti, CEO of Awann Creative Albert Dwijaya, Commander of Ahmad Yani Air Base Yusuf Adi Puruhita, Head of the Semarang Office of Culture and Tourism R. Wing Wiyarso Poespojoedho, AIDIA Semarang’s Anthony Novianus Suryono, Head of KCU BCA Hendrik Satya Nugraha, and Regional CEO of BNI Regional Office 05 I Gusti Nyoman Dharma Putra. Deputy Minister Irene was accompanied by Director of Architecture and Design Sabar Norma Megawati Panjaitan.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
