Jakarta, 2 October 2025 — Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya commended local governments that are increasingly aware of the potential of local creative economies. This was conveyed during an audience with the Regent of Batu Bara, Baharuddin Siagian, at the Ministry of Creative Economy, Jakarta, on Thursday, 2 October 2025.
Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Teuku Riefky Harsya, menerima audiensi dari Bupati Batu Bara, Jakarta, Kamis (02/10/2025).
“Previously, regional leaders focused only on mapping natural resources such as mines or plantations. Now, we understand that the new ‘mine’ is the creative economy. The roots of Malay, Nusantara, and North Sumatran culture, including Batu Bara, are very strong. From this culture emerges innovation, technology, and creativity that drive the growth of the creative industry,” said Minister of Creative Economy Riefky.
The rapid development of the creative industry in Indonesia increasingly opens opportunities for regions to optimize their local potential. Minister of Creative Economy Riefky appreciated Batu Bara Regency for recognizing the importance of the creative economy as a pillar of regional development, at a time when not all regional leaders understand that creative economy is a new engine of economic growth.
Furthermore, Minister of Creative Economy Riefky emphasized the importance of mapping creative economy subsectors. Out of 17 subsectors, the government has designated seven priorities: culinary, craft, fashion, music, film, apps and games, and digital content.
“Regions must determine their flagship subsectors to create tangible impacts in terms of job creation and income growth,” explained Minister of Creative Economy Riefky.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The Minister also reaffirmed that the central government is ready to collaborate with regional offices to accelerate curated subsectors.
“We focus 80 percent of our energy on flagship subsectors and 20 percent on other subsectors. With this strategy, creative industries that are already active can become stronger and more competitive. Hopefully, this will support the vision and mission of the Regent of Batu Bara in developing the region,” he added.
Regent of Batu Bara, Baharuddin Siagian, expressed his commitment to developing the creative economy as a new pillar of the regional economy.
“Today, we have a strong desire for the creative economy in Batu Bara to be developed as a main economic driver. Our regency is close to Malaysia—only a four-hour sea trip through the Malacca Strait. This proximity opens significant opportunities to boost growth and export creative economy products,” he said.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
According to Baharuddin, Batu Bara Regency has a population of 465,000 with high potential in arts, design, culinary, fashion, and technology. Processed seafood products such as fish, shrimp, and crab are key attractions, along with coastal culinary specialties that can be developed as a regional identity.
“We also have songket as a flagship product, which we aim to promote nationally and internationally,” he added.
As a sign of commitment, the Batu Bara government is preparing to establish a Department of Creative Economy and Tourism as a new administrative unit. This is expected to strengthen institutional structures in managing the local creative ecosystem.
The audience was also attended by Vice Regent Syafrizal, Head of Bappelitbangda Arif Hanifa, Head of Public Works Rubi Siboro, and Head of Youth, Sports, Culture, and Tourism Hakim Hasibuan.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Minister of Creative Economy Riefky was accompanied by Deputy for Strategic Development of Creative Economy Cecep Rukendi, Special Staff for Marketing Systems and Infrastructure Septriana Tangkary, Director of Marketing Systems Development and Institutional Relations Radi Manggala, and Director of Infrastructure Facilitation Fahmy Akmal.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau of Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
