Jakarta, 18 November 2025 — The Deputy Minister of Creative Economy / Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, received the “Friendship of Service Appreciation” award from the Indonesia–China Friendship Association (PPIT) for her contributions in strengthening creativity and cultural identity within the national economy. The award was presented during the “HK78: Chinese-Indonesian for Nusantara” event organized by MarkPlus Corporation at the MarkPlus Main Campus, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 18 November 2025.
Wakil Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Irene Umar, menerima penghargaan "Friendship of Service Appreciation" dari Perhimpunan Persahabatan Indonesia–Tiongkok (PPIT) yang digelar oleh MarkPlus Corporation di MarkPlus Main Campus, Jakarta, Selasa, (18/11/2025).
“The creative economy grows when there is space to share, network, and collaborate. This award is a reminder that the strength of Indonesia’s creative economy comes from the diversity of its cultures, which continue to interact, inspire, and create opportunities,” said Deputy Minister Irene Umar.
The “Friendship of Service Appreciation” award is presented to Chinese-Indonesian figures who have made tangible contributions to national development, including Deputy Minister Irene Umar and the Mayor of Singkawang, Tjhai Chui Mie. The event also marked the 78th birthday celebration of Hermawan Kartajaya, Founder & Chair of MCorp, and served as a forum to share insights on the contributions of Chinese-Indonesians to the nation’s history and economic development.
MCorp is a leading marketing consulting firm founded in 1990 by Hermawan Kartajaya, consisting of three main divisions: MarkPlus Institute, Marketeers, and MarkPlus, Inc.
Deputy Minister Irene Umar acknowledged MCorp’s role as a private entity providing significant contributions to the development of national marketing knowledge and practices, including for creative economy practitioners.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf/Badan Ekraf.
“What MCorp has built through marketing knowledge for over three decades has paved the way for many creative entrepreneurs to understand markets, build brands, and develop relevant business strategies,” stated the Deputy Minister.
Hermawan Kartajaya, Founder & Chair of MCorp, reflected on his decades-long role as an Indonesian marketing figure and appreciated the contribution of Chinese-Indonesians in advancing the nation’s economy.
“We should take pride in being Indonesian citizens. True nationalism is tested when we give our best to the country, and diversity becomes a unifying strength,” he said.
The HK78: Chinese-Indonesian for Nusantara event featured presentations highlighting the role of Chinese-Indonesians in the nation’s history, marketing, and development, and concluded with the presentation of the “Friendship of Service Appreciation” award by PPIT Chair Al Busyra Basnur. He noted that Irene Umar represents how the Chinese-Indonesian generation contributes significantly to national development, particularly through the creative economy.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf/Badan Ekraf.
“Ms. Irene exemplifies how cultural identity never limits someone from contributing to Indonesia. She demonstrates that diversity strengthens creativity, innovation, and the nation’s economic competitiveness,” said Al Busyra.
Fellow award recipient, Mayor of Singkawang Tjhai Chui Mie, emphasized that cultural diversity and social harmony are fundamental to life in Singkawang.
“With a majority Chinese-Indonesian population, Singkawang is known as one of the most tolerant cities because its residents live together in diversity. The values of mutual respect and togetherness are strengths we continue to uphold in our city,” she said.
The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency hopes that public recognition from stakeholders such as PPIT will further broaden support for Indonesian creative economy practitioners. This aligns with the vision of positioning the creative economy as the new engine of growth—an inclusive, sustainable, and competitive driver of new economic growth towards Golden Indonesia 2045.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau of Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
