Jakarta, 17 June 2025 — Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, received a courtesy visit from Poso Regent, Verna Gladies Merry Inkiriwang, to discuss collaboration and innovation opportunities in developing the region’s creative economy potential. Among the key topics was Kain Ranta, a traditional textile from Poso made from tree bark originating from the Bada Valley.
“The Ministry’s philosophy is that the creative economy should serve as a new engine of national economic growth, starting from the regions. This means that creative economy potential is not only found in major cities, but also depends on the treasures that exist in each locality. These unique regional potentials can be the foundation for developing the creative economy and creating quality jobs in line with the Asta Cita vision,” said Minister Teuku Riefky during the meeting held at Autograph Tower, Thamrin Nine, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
Minister Teuku Riefky also presented the Ministry’s flagship programs known as ASTA EKRAF, which include various mentoring and training initiatives across the country. He further emphasized the importance of establishing a creative economy office in Poso to strengthen the local creative ecosystem.
“Currently, 21 provinces, 39 regencies, and 17 cities have established creative economy offices. To improve synergy, we hope Poso Regency can also establish a Creative Economy Office, which does not have to be a stand-alone agency but can be integrated with other offices. This way, Poso’s existing creative economy potential can be developed more systematically, adding value and enhancing the competitiveness of its creative industries,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Regent Verna highlighted Poso’s strong tourism growth in 2024, recording a 171.52% increase in international tourist arrivals and a 235% increase in domestic tourist visits. She also identified fashion, crafts, and culinary arts as promising creative economy subsectors in the region.
“The creative economy plays a crucial role in economic growth. Poso is blessed with stunning nature and beautiful tourist destinations. In addition, we have other creative economy potentials such as Kain Ranta (traditional clothing) from Bada Valley made from tree bark for fashion products, Poso coffee, and processed food products like smoked eel (Onco Arogo). We will strengthen these creative products to support economic growth,” said Regent Verna.
She also proposed collaboration initiatives, including the Poso Creative Hub, the Poso Creative Economy Festival, digitalization of Poso’s creative economy products (branding and marketing training), and strengthening of intellectual property rights (protection and certification of Poso’s unique local products). Regent Verna expressed hope for the Ministry’s support in realizing these initiatives.
“We believe the Ministry of Creative Economy has the resources to help develop Poso’s creative economy in a healthier way. Through the proposed collaborations, we hope to rebrand Poso, provide space for creative hubs across Indonesia, open more job opportunities, and attract investment to improve community welfare,” she added.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy for Strategic Creative Economy Development, Cecep Rukendi; Special Advisor to the Minister on Strategic and Inter-Agency Affairs, Rian Syaf; and Special Staff to the Minister for Marketing Systems and Infrastructure, Septriana Tangkary.
Accompanying Regent Verna were Poso Regional Secretary, Heningsih Tampai; Head of the Tourism Office, Yusak Their Mentara; and other Poso Regency officials.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
