Jakarta, June 16, 2025 — Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya received a visit from the Indonesian National Commission for UNESCO (KNIU) to discuss strengthening coordination on several national agendas. During the meeting, Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky emphasized the importance of building a strong creative economy ecosystem starting from the regional level.
"Synergy with KNIU is not only crucial for international cooperation but also serves as a concrete step to strengthen creative economy ecosystems starting from the regions," said Minister Teuku Riefky during the meeting at the Ministry’s office on Monday, June 16, 2025.
Currently, several Indonesian cities are applying for membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), such as Ponorogo Regency (Creative City of Craft and Folk Art) and Malang City (City of Media Arts). According to Minister Teuku Riefky, establishing the nomenclature of the creative economy office at the regional level is essential for implementing more targeted policies and programs that are based on local characteristics and potential.
"The creative economy operates under a different approach compared to other sectors. Therefore, the creative economy office in local governments will be a critical foundation for improving competitiveness and developing creative economy infrastructure, aligned with one of the pillars of Asta Ekraf, namely Infra Ekraf," he added.
KNIU Executive Chairman Rizal Sukma also noted that several Indonesian cities are currently in the process of applying to join the global creative cities network. Support from the Ministry of Creative Economy is expected to strengthen these cities' positions in playing a strategic global role, particularly in areas aligned with UNESCO's priorities.
“KNIU serves as a bridge between the national government and UNESCO. Currently, we are facilitating two additional city applications to join UCCN. We are optimistic that the Ministry’s support will help accelerate the process,” said Rizal.
KNIU also expressed openness to collaborating in supporting outstanding young Indonesians in the creative economy sectors, such as animation, comics, and other visual arts. With the Ministry’s support, the talent potential of Indonesian youth is expected to continue developing optimally.
Indonesia currently has five UCCN member cities: Pekalongan and Surakarta (Creative Cities of Craft and Folk Art), Bandung (City of Design), Ambon (City of Music), and Jakarta (City of Literature).
Also present during the meeting were KNIU staff members, including Danu Bramanto, Gita Aprilia, Ramanda Maharani, and Syahrir Khairu. Accompanying Minister Teuku Riefky were Deputy for Strategic Development of Creative Economy, Cecep Rukendi, and Director for Infrastructure Facilitation, Fahmy Akmal.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
