Jakarta, May 27, 2025 – Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, received an audience with Merauke Regent, Yoseph B. Gebze, to discuss various challenges faced by creative economy talent in the region. Minister Teuku Riefky outlined several initiatives carried out by the Ministry of Creative Economy that could serve as references.
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky received an audience with the Regent of Merauke to discuss the challenges faced by creative economy actors in the region, in Jakarta, on Tuesday (May 27, 2025).
“We have collaborated with the Ministry of Law to simplify the registration of trademarks and copyrights for creative economy players in the regions, including Merauke. Intellectual Property registration is the first step for creative products to gain added value and competitiveness,” said Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky, during the audience held at Autograph Tower Thamrin Nine, Jakarta, Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
This meeting with Regent Yoseph followed Minister Teuku Riefky’s visit to the Merauke Special Economic Zone in late 2024. The discussion focused on various challenges faced by creative economy talent in Merauke, such as limited capital, business management, and market access.
Minister Teuku Riefky reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to accelerating the growth of the creative economy sector in Merauke, including support for the music group Elpama Prison, which is fostered by the local correctional facility. He emphasized that protecting every creative product is essential for successful monetization.
Furthermore, Minister Teuku Riefky explained the Ministry’s role as an accelerator in developing creative economy players. According to him, this can be done through curation activities, facilitating Intellectual Property protection, promotion, opening market access, and fostering hexahelix-based collaboration that involves multiple stakeholders.
Doc. Communication Bureau of Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Meanwhile, Regent Yoseph expressed his appreciation for the audience and the Ministry’s support. He is optimistic that the development of the creative economy can become a new source of local revenue.
“We are ready to synergize central and regional programs to explore local potential. The creative economy can become the locomotive of Merauke’s growth,” said Regent Yoseph.
According to data from the Merauke Regency Government, the Human Development Index (HDI) in Merauke has increased from 69.98 in 2019 to 72.19 in 2023, with steady annual growth. Regent Yoseph also noted that there are currently 292 creative economy players in Merauke, most of whom are engaged in the crafts, fashion, and music subsectors. He hopes that central government programs can be harmonized with local policies to foster inclusive and sustainable creative economy growth.
Doc. Communication Bureau of Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
In the meeting, Regent Yoseph was accompanied by Special Staff Daswil, Bapperida representative Dominggus L. Benamen, Subdivision Head of Tourism Fiddel F. V. Mahuze, and Education Office representative Utung. Minister Teuku Riefky was accompanied by Deputy for Strategic Development of Creative Economy, Cecep Rukendi, Expert Staff for Marketing System and Infrastructure, Septriana Tangkary, and Director for Infrastructure Facilitation, Fahmy Akmal.
Reslyana Dwitasari
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
