Jakarta, June 18, 2026 – Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, received the Indonesia Press Freedom Pioneer Award. The award was presented in recognition of the Minister’s role in advancing policies that provide greater space for journalists and media professionals to be more creative, innovative, and responsible in strengthening the press as the fourth pillar of democracy.
“I dedicate this award to all creative economy practitioners and the entire Ministry of Creative Economy family who have worked with dedication to advance every subsector of Indonesia’s creative economy. This award represents appreciation for all parties committed to building a healthy, independent, and adaptive press ecosystem in response to the changing times,” said Teuku Riefky while receiving the award at the 2026 Indonesian Cyber Media Association (SMSI) Awards Ceremony held at the Press Council Hall in Jakarta on Thursday (June 18).
The Ministry of Creative Economy continues to encourage the growth of media startups as alternative public media platforms while advocating for their integration into the creative economy ecosystem through education, training, and monetization programs. The Minister also emphasized that the press and digital media hold a strategic role in expanding narratives, distributing creative works, and strengthening market access for Indonesia’s creative products.
“Digital media plays a crucial role in strengthening the growth of Indonesia’s creative economy. The Ministry of Creative Economy is ready to foster collaboration to ensure that the Indonesian press becomes increasingly professional, independent, and high-quality, while safeguarding press freedom amid technological advancements and changing information consumption patterns,” Teuku Riefky added.
Last week, the Ministry of Creative Economy and SMSI held an audience meeting to discuss strengthening digital talent and cyber media through training programs and capacity-building initiatives for media practitioners across various regions. This collaborative effort is expected to enhance harmony and cooperation between the government and the press community.
“Tonight’s award is a form of appreciation from Indonesia’s press community to government leaders and public figures who have contributed to safeguarding press freedom throughout the country. We recognize the importance of synergy among mainstream media, digital media, and the government to ensure that the press ecosystem continues to grow in a healthy and sustainable manner,” said Firdaus, Chairman of SMSI.
The 2026 SMSI Awards Night carried the theme “Safeguarding Press Freedom and Media Sustainability Toward Golden Indonesia 2045.” Out of 61 nominees proposed, 32 finalists were selected, with 16 individuals ultimately receiving awards in categories including the Indonesian Press Spirit Award, Friend of the Indonesian Press Award, Inspirational Figure Award, and the SMSI Gold Pin Award.
Accompanying the Minister at the event were Muhammad Neil El Himam, Deputy for Digital Creativity and Technology; Tri Wahyudi, Director of Applications; Kiagoos Irvan Faisal, Head of the Communications Bureau; and Rocklin Aprilius Anderson, Special Advisor to the Minister for Media Affairs.
The 2026 SMSI Awards were also attended by Yohanes Handojo, Chairman of the Indonesian Golden Society Forum (Formas); Komaruddin Hidayat, Chairman of the Press Council; Taufiqurochman, Chairman of the Jury Panel; Albertus Wahyurudhanto, Secretary of the Jury Panel; as well as representatives of SMSI management from 35 provinces across Indonesia.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau of Communications
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
