Jakarta, May 28, 2025 – Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, received French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta. The bilateral meeting between the two ministries took place four hours after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) witnessed by President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron at the State Palace.
The bilateral meeting was held in a warm atmosphere, welcomed with Gayo coffee, butterfly pea flower tea, and roti buaya as a symbol of friendship. Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky stated that the meeting discussed the follow-up of strategic cooperation in the subsectors of film, video, animation, fashion, crafts, gaming, and design.
“The cooperation agreed upon focuses on strengthening collaboration within the creative industry ecosystem, improving the quality of human capital in the creative economy sector, and expanding market access for both countries. This strategic partnership will also facilitate creative economy talent from both nations to participate in major events to be held in France and Indonesia this year and in the years ahead,” said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky.
Doc. Communication Bureau of Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati also expressed her delight at the meeting, which served as a follow-up to the agreement signed earlier in the day.
“I am truly pleased that what we have agreed upon can be directly followed up in this bilateral meeting. I hope this agreement will be implemented effectively and realized through concrete actions by both countries in the near future,” said Rachida Dati.
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky further explained that Indonesia’s creative economy has grown significantly over the past 11 years (2013–2024). According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the sector’s GDP contribution increased by 119%, from around IDR 700 trillion to IDR 1,500 trillion. Meanwhile, exports rose by 67%, from USD 15 billion to USD 25.1 billion.
Doc. Communication Bureau of Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“The number of workers in the creative economy sector over the past 11 years also increased sharply by 89%, from 14 million to 26.5 million people, with 68% of them being women. BPS data also shows that around 50% of creative economy workers are under the age of 40. This highlights that the creative economy is an inclusive and progressive sector for Indonesia’s economy,” said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky.
Minister Rachida Dati reinforced Minister Teuku Riefky’s remarks, emphasizing that Indonesia’s creative economy achievements are remarkable, particularly because of the significant involvement of women.
“I must highlight that the creative economy is a sector receiving special attention, as its growth figures increase year by year, and the percentages are very impressive from France’s perspective,” said Rachida Dati.
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky also explained that the scope of cooperation includes education and residency programs, through which creative industry players from Indonesia and France can exchange experiences akin to apprenticeships to broaden their knowledge and enhance their capabilities.
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky was accompanied by the Secretary to the Minister of Creative Economy, Dessy Ruhati; the Deputy for Strategic Development of Creative Economy, Cecep Rukendi; the Deputy for Cultural and Design Creativity, Yuke Sri Rahayu; the Deputy for Media Creativity, Agustini Rahayu; and also echelon II officials of the Ministry of Creative Economy.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
