Jakarta, June 22, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, expressed support for Aruna Creative’s innovation in expanding opportunities for local fashion brands to explore the use of ramie plant fibers as a sustainable textile material. The development of natural fiber-based materials is considered crucial for strengthening Indonesia’s creative economy value chain.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar receives representatives of Aruna Creative during an audience at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office in Jakarta on Monday, June 22, 2026.
“What we need to build is not only product promotion, but an entire business ecosystem—from raw materials and processing industries to business models and investment projects. When the value chain is clearly mapped and scalable, it becomes easier to attract collaboration and investment financing for the development of sustainable textile materials,” said Irene Umar during an audience at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta on Monday (June 22).
During the discussion, the Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of synergy among researchers, universities, the fashion industry, and creative economy stakeholders. Such collaboration is expected to create a strong supply chain, from material research and development to environmentally friendly fashion production.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“Research and development conducted by universities must connect with the needs of the creative industry. When supported by a strong business projection and effective intellectual property utilization, local innovations can evolve into products with high economic value and global competitiveness,” she added.
During the meeting, Aruna Creative presented its innovation in developing ramie fibers through an integrated approach combining research, industrial downstreaming, and the empowerment of farmers and creative economy practitioners. The initiative focuses not only on textile products but also on promoting a circular economy through the utilization of every part of the plant to create value-added products.
“Ramie has the potential to become one of Indonesia’s leading natural fibers and should be promoted more widely to educate the fashion industry about its benefits and comfort. This will help reduce Indonesia’s dependence on imported raw materials and encourage greater focus on ramie, which offers advantages throughout the value chain. Ramie embodies a zero-waste concept, as every part of the plant—from leaves and stems to bark—can contribute to a sustainable fashion ecosystem,” explained Yuliana Fitri, Founder of Aruna Creative.
Aruna Creative has developed products ranging from coarse fibers to fine fibers suitable for yarn production. Several derivative products, including garments using natural and synthetic dyes as well as fashion accessories, have already entered the Japanese market. As a sustainable fashion brand, Aruna Creative promotes traditional Indonesian textiles, natural fiber materials, and handmade production processes while empowering women, persons with disabilities, and vocational education communities.
“We need a stronger ecosystem that connects farmers, processors, industry players, academics engaged in research and development, as well as government support through regulations and investment access. We hope to receive support from the Ministry of Creative Economy to position ramie as one of Indonesia’s priority creative economy materials. We also envision the establishment of an Indonesian Creative Material Hub and stronger inter-ministerial collaboration to orchestrate a sustainable ecosystem,” said Yuliana Fitri.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Acting Director of Fashion, Amir Hamzah. Also present were Brand Marketing Specialist Seira Meutia; Asri Peni Wulandari from Lab Ramee CDR, Padjadjaran University; and representatives of PT Haramai Jaya Nusantara, Abdul Rohmat and Hardian Wijayanto.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
