Jakarta, 20 November 2025 — The Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, welcomed the initiative of Langsa Mayor Jeffry Sentana Putra to host the Mangrove Fest Creative Market 2026. According to Minister Riefky, the event has the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth through creative initiatives.
Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Teuku Riefky Harsya, menerima audiensi dari Walikota Langsa, Jeffry Sentana Putra di kantor Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif, Jakarta, Kamis (20/11/2025).
“The orientation of the Ministry of Creative Economy programs focuses on creating quality employment. ‘Quality’ means involving young talent and supporting the middle class. To promote Langsa as a mangrove hub, activities such as photography competitions for content creators or affiliate training for online sales of local creative products could be integrated into the Mangrove Fest Creative Market,” said Minister Riefky during an audience with Mayor Jeffry Sentana Putra at Autograph Tower, Thamrin Nine, Jakarta on Thursday, 20 November 2025.
As the sustainable creative economy subsector continues to develop, Langsa requires creative spaces that merge environmental preservation with productivity-driven innovation. The mangrove forest, an iconic symbol of Langsa, can serve as inspiration for local creative industry practitioners.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
“We appreciate Langsa’s initiative to highlight the mangrove as a cultural and economic symbol. Through the Mangrove Fest Creative Market 2026, environmental preservation and creativity can foster regional economic growth. This aligns with Ekraf’s philosophy of positioning the creative economy as a new engine of national economic growth, starting from regional areas,” said Minister Riefky.
Langsa, a coastal city in Aceh, hosts one of the largest and best-preserved mangrove forests along the eastern coast. Its geographic advantages not only provide ecological benefits but also inspire economic and creative opportunities for the community.
“Langsa’s coastal location is highly strategic for trade, logistics, and transportation. With 60% of the population in the productive age group, the city already has a foundation for a creative economy, combining young talent, cultural heritage, and digital literacy. This allows us to reassess which creative economy subsectors, beyond culinary, should be prioritized for Langsa,” explained Rian Syaf, Special Staff to the Minister for Strategic and Interagency Issues.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
The Mangrove Fest Creative Market 2026 will carry the theme Local Works, Sustainable Nature, reflecting the principle that every creative product should uphold environmental preservation and local cultural values, resulting in offerings that are both economically and sustainably valuable.
Langsa’s potential as a Creative City is also reflected in its high Human Development Index (HDI) and unique cultural assets, including traditional Acehnese textiles (wastra). Notably, Langsa ranks second after Banda Aceh in Aceh province in terms of HDI indicators, including health, education, and living standards.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
“Next year, we aim to develop the Mangrove Fest Creative Market across Langsa’s 6,500-hectare mangrove area. The festival will serve as a tourism and creative economy destination featuring cultural performances, wastra, and culinary showcases. We are committed to sustainable collaborative integrity. Langsa is also developing specialized wastra reflecting Acehnese heritage, positioning the city as a pioneer for the province,” said Mayor Jeffry Sentana Putra.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
During the meeting, Minister Riefky was accompanied by Deputy for Strategic Development Cecep Rukendi, Director of Infrastructure Facilitation Fahmy Akmal, and Digital Communication Expert Ridha Pradana. Mayor Jeffry Sentana Putra was accompanied by Regional Secretary Suhartini, Head of Disporaparekraf Aulia Syahputra, and Director of PT Pekola Syahyuzar Aka.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau of Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
