Makassar, April 22, 2025 – Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, discussed with content creators aboard a traditional Pinisi boat sailing off Losari Beach, Makassar. Minister Teuku Riefky invited the content creators to synergize in strengthening the creative economy ecosystem.
Menekraf Teuku Riefky berdiskusi dengan kreator konten Makassar di atas kapal Pinisi ajak sinergi bangun ekosistem ekonomi kreatif, Makassar, Selasa (22/04/2025).
“This is such a creative experience to hold discussions aboard a Pinisi, which is Makassar’s pride, especially with content creators. In my view, being a content creator is not merely a hobby, but a very promising profession,” said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky during the dialogue on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
“Content creators need to be nurtured to support the growth of other creative economy subsectors. They can help promote culinary, crafts, fashion, photography, and many other areas through the digital content they create,” added Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky.
The discussion, which empowered Indonesian digital talent and utilized digital media to promote local creative economy, also supports President Prabowo’s Asta Cita program, namely creating quality jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship, and developing a digital economy–based creative industry. Minister Teuku Riefky emphasized the importance of the creative economy as a new engine of national economic growth, fostering a more inclusive ecosystem.
He also encouraged content creators to join or form associations to strengthen synergy. With such platforms, he hopes content creators will become a recognized creative economy subsector that contributes to regional development, job creation, and community welfare.
“I hope content creators in Makassar continue to strengthen collaboration by joining associations or forming new ones with support from the city government. This effort will become a strength in shaping an ecosystem where each creator has a bargaining position to support other creative economy subsectors,” Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky added.
Communications Bureau of The Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
The event was attended by Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin, Deputy Mayor Aliyah Mustika Ilham, Gowa Regent Sitti Husniah Talenrang, Tanah Datar Regent Eka Putra, and 15 content creators from various creative fields. Mayor Munafri Arifuddin expressed his appreciation for their creativity.
“I believe the content creators here never run out of ideas. They usually come up with brilliant, funny, and unique stories. But we must also ensure their digital content provides positive value. The city government also needs promotion, so these creators can become partners in promoting Makassar. We are always open to any form of collaboration to advance the city’s economy,” said Mayor Munafri Arifuddin.
One of the attending creators, Naufal Ahmad Al Hikam, who focuses on travel and motivational content, welcomed the invitation. He said the discussion with the minister and Makassar city government left a deep impression and hope for showcasing village tourism and culture.
“As a content creator who enjoys exploring rural areas, I hope there will be regulations or programs from the government that provide platforms for creative players in villages to contribute to regional economic growth. Content creators should not be limited by issues such as poor internet connectivity,” said Naufal.
Responding to this, Deputy for Digital Creativity and Technology at the Ministry, Muhammad Neil El Himam, stated that the ministry already has flagship programs to nurture creativity across regions. He highlighted the ASTA EKRAF initiative, which embraces all creative economy subsectors.
“In the past, we had the Creative Village program. That was a good initiative, and ASTA EKRAF now continues this by focusing on making the creative economy the new engine of growth, starting from the regions. Village creativity can certainly be developed, and regarding internet access, we can collaborate with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi),” explained Muhammad Neil El Himam.
Communications Bureau of The Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
Another perspective came from podcaster Rijal Djamal, who focuses on socio-political, educational, and creative economy issues. He emphasized the importance of building a strong content creator ecosystem.
“We hope Makassar City, with its strong capacity, can design a dedicated Office of Creative Economy so that the ecosystem can truly grow. I also agree with forming associations as a means of protection, so creators won’t face lawsuits. Empowerment is key to boosting the local economy. Hopefully, what we discussed tonight will bring blessings and concrete follow-ups for a better future for Makassar’s content creators,” said Rijal, known on Instagram as @rijalsystem.
The dialogue with content creators is expected to cultivate digital talent that strengthens the creative economy ecosystem based on cultural and intellectual assets with global competitiveness. With a spirit of collaboration, all parties are confident that this synergy will bring positive impact to the region.
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky was accompanied by Secretary General Dessy Ruhati, Deputy for Digital Creativity and Technology Muhammad Neil El Himam, Director of Digital Content Yuana Rochma Astuti, and Special Staff to the Minister for Strategic Issues and Inter-Agency Affairs, Rian Syaf.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
