Banda Aceh, 22 April, 2026 – Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, expressed his hope that Banda Aceh, as it celebrates its 821st anniversary, will become a national hub for the creative economy. He emphasized that the city’s long historical journey reflects resilience and a strong capacity to grow into a globally competitive and empowered city.
The Minister delivered remarks during the anniversary reception, held alongside the closing of the Banda Aceh Experience City Expo 2026 at Blang Padang Field on Wednesday evening (April 22, 2026).
“We promote a hexahelix collaboration approach involving government, creative actors, academia, communities, media, and financial institutions to strengthen and advance the creative economy ecosystem in Banda Aceh—from local to national, and from national to global. Happy 821st anniversary to Banda Aceh. May the spirit of synergy and collaboration continue to inspire the nation and the world,” he stated.
The celebration, which emphasized collaboration and active participation from communities, creative players, and cross-sector stakeholders, also highlighted the role of the creative economy as a new engine of national economic growth, starting from Aceh. The Minister’s presence reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the creative economy in Banda Aceh, including through the development of young talent and its ecosystem.
Doc. Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
He also noted that Banda Aceh’s Human Development Index has reached 89.55 percent, providing a strong foundation toward Indonesia Emas 2045. This human capital strength aligns with the city’s growing creative economy potential across subsectors such as culinary arts, crafts, fashion, music, and digital content.
Meanwhile, Mayor of Banda Aceh, Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal, accompanied by Vice Mayor Afdhal Khalilullah, highlighted that the city’s future transformation will be driven by creativity and collaboration as pillars of sustainable economic development.
“This celebration not only strengthens the economy but also fosters unity and collective awareness. Banda Aceh is a living city—where SMEs grow, youth create, and communities thrive over time. Through collaboration, we learn that a strong city is not only built, but also sustained together,” she said.
Doc. Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The 821st anniversary also marked a strategic direction for Banda Aceh’s development as a collaborative and adaptive city amid global economic changes, including through the ‘Kota Parfum’ concept, leveraging essential oil commodities such as patchouli. The event series also coincided with the 2026 Regional Coordination Meeting of Commission I of the Asosiasi Pemerintah Kota Seluruh Indonesia, aimed at strengthening inter-city collaboration and policy synergy across Indonesia.
The evening reception featured a special speech by Ary Ginanjar Agustian, along with performances by religious singer and author Natta Reza and Nabila Taqiyyah. The event also showcased collaborative traditional dance performances and presented awards to key partners who have contributed to Banda Aceh’s development.
Doc. Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The Minister was accompanied by Special Staff for Strategic and Inter-Institutional Affairs Rian Syaf and Head of General Affairs Indra Saputra.
The celebration was attended by various prominent figures, including Wali Nanggroe Aceh Tengku Malik Mahmud Al-Haythar, Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi, East Kalimantan Vice Governor Seno Aji, Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas, and other regional leaders, community figures, and stakeholders.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
