Jakarta, 2 December 2025 — The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency strengthened its diplomatic presence in the Middle East through active participation in the Indonesia Investment Forum (IIF), held on 25 November 2025 in Dubai. The Ministry showcased its flagship projects, highlighting Indonesia’s readiness as an attractive destination for creative economy investment.
Deputi Pengembangan Strategis Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif, Cecep Rukendi, memberi sambutan pada kegiatan Indonesia Investment Forum (IIF) yang diselenggarakan pada 25 November 2025 di Dubai.
“Investors in the Middle East are increasingly seeking resilient sectors, and Indonesia’s creative economy offers exactly that. We came with a vision to strengthen networks, open opportunities, and ensure that investments create mutual value for both countries,” said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya on Tuesday, 2 December 2025.
The event was organized through collaboration among Bank Indonesia, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Dubai, the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming, and the Ministry of Creative Economy. Deputy for Strategic Development at the Ministry of Creative Economy, Cecep Rukendi, explained that the Ministry brought three project owners to the forum: Singhasari Special Economic Zone (SEZ), ETKI Banten SEZ, and JOSS Group (Bakso Rusuk Joss).
“Through creative economy SEZs, culinary enterprises, and digital subsectors such as apps, games, animation, and film, Indonesia is ready to position itself as a regional creative economy hub. We are opening collaborative pathways for investors seeking to grow alongside Indonesia,” said Deputy Cecep.
Meanwhile, Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Aida S. Budiman emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with the UAE.
“The Indonesia Investment Forum in Dubai reflects our shared vision to deepen economic collaboration, attract high-quality investment, and expand opportunities in priority sectors, including the creative economy, tourism, infrastructure, and sustainable development,” Aida stated.
In line with this, the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Dubai, Denny Lesmana, highlighted the importance of Indonesia–UAE strategic partnership.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
“The UAE has become one of Indonesia’s most important economic partners in the Middle East. This forum not only strengthens investment channels but also opens long-term opportunities in innovation, the creative industries, and sustainable development,” Denny noted.
The forum featured presentations of five curated investment projects recommended by Bank Indonesia and the Ministry of Creative Economy to potential investors. The projects included:
South Kalimantan Waste Management Project
Aceh Lhoknga Golf & Marine Sport Development
North Sumatra Toba Caldera Resort
Singhasari SEZ
ETKI Banten SEZ
These projects reflect Indonesia’s focus on sustainability, tourism, and the development of creative economy special economic zones.
The presentations were followed by a luncheon and one-on-one business meetings between project owners and prospective investors. This phase enabled investors to explore technical aspects, cooperation models, and potential returns in greater depth. Strong interest from participants underscored the vast opportunities available for further development.
The Indonesia Investment Forum 2025 reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening its economic relationship with the UAE and promoting the country’s creative economy potential on the global stage. With aligned development visions between Indonesia and the UAE, the forum stands as a significant milestone for future strategic collaboration and investment partnerships.
The event was also attended by Director of Access to Finance, Funding, and Investment Development of the Ministry of Creative Economy Anggara Hayun Anujuprana; Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs Wicaksono Boediman; Director of Investment Promotion Development Rakhmat Yulianto; and Director of IIPC Abu Dhabi, Nova Herlangga Masrie.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
