Gorontalo, 27 September 2025 — Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya officially opened the Gorontalo Karawo Carnival (GKK) 2025 Parade, the pinnacle event of the Gorontalo Karawo Carnival. The Minister praised the event as a clear testament to the strengthening of the creative economy ecosystem.
Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Teuku Riefky Harsya, membuka Parade Gorontalo Karnaval Karawo 2025, Gorontalo, Sabtu (27/09/2025).
“This carnival is not merely a cultural celebration, but a means to reinforce the creative economy ecosystem. We appreciate the strategic collaboration with Bank Indonesia, which has consistently shown commitment to strengthening the local creative economy,” said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky at the Grand Palace Convention Center, Gorontalo, on Saturday, 27 September 2025.
The GKK 2025 finale coincides with the Hulonthalo Art and Craft Festival (HACF) from 27–29 September 2025. The carnival showcased Karawo embroidered fabric, a cultural heritage of Gorontalo known for over four centuries. This hand-embroidered textile was presented in contemporary fashion costumes, blending traditional beauty with modern creativity.
Minister of Creative Economy Riefky emphasized that GKK 2025 demonstrates successful synergy between the Gorontalo Provincial Government and the Bank Indonesia Gorontalo branch. He also highlighted data from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise for Q2 2025, showing fashion as the top contributor to creative economy exports at 55%, followed by craft at 38.92%, and culinary at 5.95%. He underlined that Karawo has high economic value and potential as a flagship export product.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“This is clear evidence that Indonesia, especially regions like Hulonthalo, holds great potential to integrate into the global value chain. Karawo motifs have now evolved into elegant fashion designs sought after by both domestic and international markets. Meanwhile, culinary innovations such as sago flour bread with local flavors or dried Karawo cakes adorned with traditional embroidery not only celebrate Indonesian taste but also create high-value, sustainable local products,” Minister of Creative Economy Riefky explained.
Since its first edition in 2011, the Karawo Carnival has grown into a highly anticipated fashion and arts event. This year, dozens of local designers and creative entrepreneurs showcased fashion creations that combine traditional embroidery techniques with current trends, opening opportunities for cross-industry collaborations.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa highlighted that the 2024 GKK produced positive outcomes thanks to central and regional government collaboration.
“In 2024, the carnival attracted up to 31,000 visitors with economic transactions reaching IDR 325 million, involving 225 artists, 150 workers, and 30 MSME booths. For 2025, we aim for 50,000 visitors and transactions reaching IDR 1 billion. Collaboration is key to achieving this goal,” said Ni Luh Puspa.
Gorontalo Governor Gusnar Ismail noted that GKK 2025 is an opportunity to enhance the creative economy and cultural value of Karawo through partnerships, including with the private sector.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“This is a momentum to increase the cultural and economic value of the Karawo we all cherish. Collaboration ensures connectivity between the government and entrepreneurs, mediated by the banking sector, to support creative economy activities,” he said.
The event attracted visitors from across the region and abroad, featuring craft exhibitions, traditional Gorontalo culinary delights, and music performances, enriching the visitor experience while generating direct economic benefits for the local community.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Officials in attendance included Deputy Governor of Gorontalo Idah Syahidah Rusli Habibie, Ministry of Tourism officials, Bank Indonesia representatives, and regional leaders across Gorontalo Province. Minister Riefky was accompanied by Neli Yana, Director of Crafts at the Ministry of Creative Economy.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau of Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
