Manado, 25 June 2025 — Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya highlighted the strategic role of Urban Digifest in fostering the sustainable growth of Indonesia’s regional creative economy. The Minister delivered this statement during the opening ceremony of Urban Digifest 2025 at Manado Town Square, North Sulawesi, on Wednesday, 25 June 2025.
Since its inception in 2019, Urban Digifest has been consistently held as the result of a hexahelix collaboration among the Ministry of Creative Economy, the Provincial Government of North Sulawesi, Bank Indonesia (BI), the Regional National Crafts Council (Dekranasda), and other stakeholders.
“This is a great example of collaboration between Bank Indonesia, ministries, local governments, Dekranasda, and other stakeholders in driving the growth of Indonesia’s creative industries. We appreciate Bank Indonesia’s active role in identifying local potential and helping it grow further,” said Minister Teuku Riefky after the opening ceremony.
The Minister emphasized that the creative economy has become a new engine of growth for nations, and Urban Digifest is a tangible manifestation of strong, multi-stakeholder cooperation in advancing the creative economy.
He also underscored the importance of expanding market access for creative products from North Sulawesi. According to him, events like Urban Digifest allow creative industry players to broaden their reach both nationally and internationally, opening new opportunities for growth.
“I see tremendous creative economy potential in North Sulawesi. The youth are full of innovation, and the industry ecosystem is maturing. The challenge now is how, together with Bank Indonesia, we can open the widest possible market access. When markets open, demand for labor will rise, entrepreneurs’ incomes will increase, and ultimately, public welfare will improve. This aligns with the Governor’s vision,” he added.
The event began with opening remarks delivered via video conference by Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Filianingsih Hendarta.
The ceremony was also attended by North Sulawesi Governor Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Yulius Selvanus, Vice Governor Dr. J. Victor Mailangkay, Head of Bank Indonesia North Sulawesi Representative Office Joko Supratikto, and Chairperson of Dekranasda North Sulawesi Anik Fitri Wandriani. Their presence reflected the strong synergy between regional leaders and national institutions in strengthening the local creative economy ecosystem.
Formerly known as Urban Economy, Urban Digifest has evolved into a platform for developing MSMEs through digital integration and local cultural promotion. The Bank Indonesia North Sulawesi Representative Office plays a pivotal role, not only as an organizer but also as a facilitator for strengthening MSME capacity through financing support, training programs, and expanded market access.
Joko Supratikto explained that one of Urban Digifest’s strategic objectives is to connect MSMEs with financial institutions to secure funding.
“With proper financing, they can enhance production capacity, creativity, and overall business performance. We hope this initiative will pave the way for North Sulawesi to create new sources of economic growth, moving beyond dependence on agriculture and entering the innovation-driven economy that the Minister has envisioned,” Joko said.
Urban Digifest 2025 carries the theme “Rupa Rasa Kawanua”, which reflects the rich culture and creative potential of North Sulawesi. Designed as both a strategic promotional event and a cross-sector collaboration platform (hexahelix approach), the festival engages government, businesses, academia, communities, media, and financial institutions.
With a diverse program lineup, including MSME product exhibitions, policy discussion forums, business matching sessions, and cultural performances, Urban Digifest is expected to serve as a key catalyst for the sustainable development of North Sulawesi’s creative economy. The central government remains fully committed to supporting these regional initiatives to achieve inclusive and competitive economic growth.
Minister Teuku Riefky was accompanied at the opening by Ministry Secretary Dessy Ruhati; Deputy for Cultural Creativity and Design, Yuke Sri Rahayu; and Deputy for Strategic Development, Cecep Rukendi. Also present were Mayor of Manado Andrei Angouw and Chairperson of PIPEBI (Association of Bank Indonesia Employees’ Wives) North Sulawesi, Adiati Kristyarini.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
