Surabaya, August 4, 2025 — Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, emphasized the importance of higher education as a catalyst for the growth of a creative economy driven by innovation, culture, and creativity, particularly in the digital era that presents both opportunities and new challenges. Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky also underscored the significance of synergy between academia and the creative ecosystem as a key pillar in achieving Golden Indonesia 2045.
Menteri Ekraf Teuku Riefky menghadiri Kuliah Umum di Sekolah Pascasarjana Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Surabaya, Senin (04/08/2025).
“Digital transformation has accelerated the growth of the creative economy sector. However, the success of development cannot be separated from data-driven and research-based policies. I am here not merely to give a lecture, but to engage directly with the younger generation, because the future of the creative economy lies in their hands,” said Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky on Monday, August 4, 2025, during a public lecture at the Postgraduate School of Airlangga University (UNAIR) Surabaya.
During the public lecture themed Digital Transformation of the Creative Industry: Potential and Challenges for Indonesia, Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky highlighted the vast potential of the digital game subsector. Indonesia is currently recorded as the largest gaming market in Southeast Asia, with more than 150 million active players.
Data from Statista and Yuzu indicate that Indonesia’s gaming industry ranks 16th globally, generating over 1.4 billion US dollars annually with a growth rate between 8 and 10 percent per year. This serves as tangible evidence that the sector can drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
“Campuses are where fresh ideas, social experiments, and technological solutions are born. However, this potential must be directly connected to the needs of society and the business world,” stated Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky.
Communications Bureau of The Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
Vice Rector for Resources of Airlangga University Ardianto welcomed the public lecture as a means to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and the government. Director of the Postgraduate School of Airlangga University Badri Munir Sukoco also conveyed that Indonesia’s creative economy currently contributes around 6.54 percent to the national GDP while employing nearly 24 million workers.
“Digital transformation opens limitless opportunities while presenting complex challenges. This collaboration is expected to produce research and innovation relevant to the nation’s future,” said Ardianto, adding UNAIR’s commitment to producing impactful graduates and research that will foster a strong and sustainable creative economy.
“The challenge is how to balance economic contribution with vast employment potential. We hope the presence of the Minister of Creative Economy will mark an important step in narrowing this gap and strengthening policy directions toward Golden Indonesia 2045,” added Badri.
Also present at the public lecture were Deputy Director III Suparto Wijoyo, lecturers and alumni of the Postgraduate School of UNAIR, Chairman of BPD HIPMI East Java Ahmad Salim Assegaf, representatives from the Indonesia Creative Cities Network (ICCN), as well as research leaders from the University of Trunojoyo Madura.
Communications Bureau of The Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky was accompanied by Deputy for Strategic Development of the Creative Economy, Cecep Rukendi, and Expert Staff for Research, Education, and Institutional Relations Dian Permanasari. This collaboration forms part of the Ministry’s efforts to ensure inclusive and equitable creative economy development, strengthening independence through digital transformation in the creative economy that begins at the regional level.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
