Jakarta, 14 April, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (Ekraf) held a bilateral meeting with the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia to discuss the development of a creative economy based on culture and innovation. Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, stated that the relationship between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia has been closely established, not only through diplomatic cooperation but also through strong spiritual values, shared history, and people-to-people connections.
Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, held a bilateral meeting with the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia to discuss the development of a creative economy based on culture and innovation, in Jakarta, on Tuesday (14/4/2026).
“It is a great honor for us to welcome His Royal Highness the Prince and delegation to Jakarta. The relationship between Indonesia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia goes beyond formal diplomacy, rooted in spiritual values, shared history, and brotherhood that has been built across generations,” said the Minister during the meeting at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office, Jakarta, on Tuesday (14/4).
He added that the creative economy has become a strategic sector relied upon by both countries to drive sustainable growth. Indonesia, with its 17 subsectors, continues to develop its cultural potential combined with modern innovation to create new economic value.
Doc. Bureau for Communication Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
“The creative economy is not merely a supporting sector, but a driver of the future. We believe that the combination of cultural heritage and innovation will create sustainable economic impact for both countries,” he explained.
During the meeting, the Minister also identified several strategic cooperation opportunities, including participation in World Expo, strengthening the hajj and umrah ecosystem through creative products, exchange of talent and technology, strengthening intellectual property protection, as well as collaboration in the World Conference on Creative Economy 2026 in Jakarta.
Meanwhile, Minister of Culture of Saudi Arabia, Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and reaffirmed the commitment to expand cross-sector collaboration in the creative industries.
Doc. Bureau for Communication Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
“We look forward to strengthening collaboration in various sectors, including Expo, hajj, games, and intellectual property. We also welcome the invitation to participate in the global forum to be held in Jakarta,” he stated.
Prince Badr also highlighted potential cooperation in the film, fashion, and talent development sectors, including opportunities for film production incentives and educational programs through arts institutions in Saudi Arabia. In addition, strengthening the intellectual property ecosystem and initiatives for local brand development were emphasized to enhance global competitiveness.
“In the film sector, Saudi Arabia is developing the industry comprehensively, from production to distribution, with various funding supports. We are open to film co-production opportunities with incentives of up to 60–65% of production costs. In the field of intellectual property, Saudi Arabia has established a dedicated authority to support the creative industry. The ‘Saudi 100 Brands’ program serves as an accelerator for local designers, while sustainable fashion initiatives are also being developed, including environmentally friendly ihram,” he added.
This cooperation is expected to strengthen the position of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia as strategic partners in the development of the global creative economy.
Doc. Bureau for Communication Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
Also present at the meeting were Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Indonesia, Faisal Abdullah H. Amodi; Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan Ibrahim Altouq; and General Manager of International Collaboration Abdullah Mohammed Alraddadi. The Minister of Creative Economy was accompanied by Echelon I and II officials of the Ministry of Creative Economy.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
