Jakarta, 24 April, 2026 – Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, emphasized that a nation’s cultural roots and creativity must be transformed into new sources of economic value. To this end, the government is supporting the revitalization of royal palaces (keraton) across Indonesia.
The Minister delivered his remarks at the National Seminar and Painting Exhibition titled “Grand Design for the Revitalization of Nusantara Palaces” held at Antara Building, Jakarta, on Friday (April 24, 2026).
“Countries with advanced creative industries generally have strong cultural roots—such as the United States with Hollywood, Japan with anime, South Korea with K-pop and K-dramas, and India with Bollywood. All have successfully capitalized on culture as an economic force that creates jobs and improves welfare. The Nusantara holds immense potential to become the next global force, with its rich cultural heritage, history, and local wisdom from its royal palaces that can be developed into a source of creative economic value,” said the Minister.
Organized by the Forum Silaturahmi Keraton Nusantara (FSKN), the seminar and exhibition serve as a platform for dialogue among kings, sultans, cultural figures, academics, creative economy practitioners, and other stakeholders. Established in 2006, FSKN plays a strategic role in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening collaboration with the government in national cultural development.
Held from April 24–30, 2026, the event aims to formulate a structured, integrated, and sustainable national framework to guide the development of palaces across the archipelago through policy recommendations generated from multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Doc: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
During the event, the Minister highlighted the central role of palaces as custodians of cultural heritage that can be transformed into new economic drivers through creative and innovative approaches. This commitment aligns with national policy directions, as President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized the importance of revitalizing palaces and kingdoms across Indonesia as part of preserving national identity.
“From historical narratives, a wide range of creative products can emerge—from comics, films, and animation to games. The resources are endless, as each region has its own stories and legends that can be developed. We are ready to collaborate with FSKN and other stakeholders to strengthen cultural preservation while driving creative economic growth,” he added.
Strengthening a creative economy rooted in local wisdom is key to ensuring that palace revitalization goes beyond preservation, transforming these institutions into centers of innovation and new economic growth. This also aligns with efforts to rediscover Nusantara knowledge and technologies, which can be further developed through creative and modern scientific approaches, as noted by Dedi Yusmen, Chair of the event’s organizing committee.
Doc: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“The future of the creative economy must be supported by strong technology and grounded in Nusantara knowledge derived from palaces and kingdoms. This is a vast resource that has yet to be fully explored and must be developed collectively,” said Dedi.
In addition to the seminar, the event features artworks from members of the Asosiasi Pelukis Nusantara (ASPEN), showcasing paintings inspired by Indonesian culture, history, and national identity. The Minister also toured the exhibition and expressed appreciation for the works reflecting the richness of the archipelago.
This initiative further underscores the potential of the creative economy as the new mining and the new engine of growth capable of driving sustainable national economic development. By leveraging cultural wealth as a primary resource, palace revitalization is expected not only to preserve national identity but also to become a key driver of economic growth and job creation in the future.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
