Jakarta, June 5, 2026 – Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, encouraged the Medan City Government to optimize public assets as spaces for the growth of creative communities. As one of the 15 priority locations for creative economy development in North Sumatra, Medan is considered to require a sustainable ecosystem-strengthening strategy, ranging from creative space activation and talent development to investment promotion.
“Through the visionary leadership of the Medan City Government, we can strengthen talent capabilities, encourage innovation, and activate creative spaces owned by local governments and communities, or even transform them into special economic zones,” said Minister Teuku Riefky during a meeting with Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta on Friday (June 5).
He added that the development of the 17 creative economy subsectors should not stop at the creation stage but must also focus on the commercialization of products, including Intellectual Property (IP). Furthermore, the development of the sector is expected to create quality employment opportunities for young people.
“The primary goal of creative economy development is to create added value. When creative spaces are activated, digital talent training is strengthened, and market access is expanded, not only will the creative industry grow, but investment, employment, and regional economic contributions will also increase,” he stated.
Responding to the Minister’s remarks, Mayor Rico Waas explained that the city government is actively promoting the culinary, fashion, music, and digital content subsectors through festivals and creative markets rooted in local culture. Medan is also focusing on optimizing city-owned assets as spaces for creative communities to grow.
“Medan has enormous talent potential in priority creative economy subsectors. The challenge is ensuring that young people have space to express themselves, access to markets, and a supportive creative ecosystem so they no longer need to seek opportunities outside the region. We want to build Medan into a more vibrant city through creative activities that also contribute to the local economy,” said Rico.
During the meeting, both parties also discussed opportunities for collaboration in digital design and Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills training with strategic partners, creative hub activation, investment strengthening, and the establishment of creative economy institutions at the regional level. Coordination also continued regarding an invitation to participate in activities related to the 18th National Working Meeting of the Association of Indonesian Municipal Governments (APEKSI), which is planned to take place in Medan.
The Minister was accompanied by Senior Advisor for Marketing and Infrastructure Septriana Tangkary, Special Staff for Strategic Issues and Interinstitutional Affairs Rian Syaf, Director of Infrastructure Facilitation Fahmy Akmal, and Ministerial Expert Staff Hasbil Mustaqim Lubis.
Meanwhile, Mayor Rico was accompanied by Regional Secretary Wiriya Al Rahman, Head of the Tourism Office Odi Anggia Batubara, Head of General Affairs Muhammad Ridho Siregar, and GEKRAFS official Saif Adli Heer.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
