Jakarta, 26 September 2025 — The Ministry of Creative Economy is exploring collaboration with the National Institute of Science and Technology (ISTN) to develop digital talent through eight program clusters under Asta Ekraf. The partnership will focus on strengthening the digital ecosystem through information and communication technology (ICT) training aligned with industry needs.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf - Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Teuku Riefky Harsya, menerima audiensi dari jajaran Institut Sains dan Teknologi Nasional (ISTN), Jakarta, Jumat (26/09/2025).
“Collaboration with ISTN will allow us to identify intersections with the Asta Ekraf programs. We can align this with data strengthening, policy formulation, or ICT training. Previously, Ekraf has collaborated with major tech companies such as Google Play, Microsoft, Canva, and others,” said Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya during a meeting with ISTN representatives at the Ministry of Creative Economy, Jakarta, Friday, 26 September 2025.
Founded in 1950, ISTN is the oldest private university with a vision as a center of excellence in higher education for science and technology, emphasizing creativity, innovation, and leadership. ISTN graduates are trained to address the shortage of certified cybersecurity professionals through adaptive training and certification incentives that respond to technological advancements and changing times.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“The Ministry of Creative Economy is focusing 80 percent on acceleration and 20 percent on incubation. This prioritization is aimed at rapidly developing creative talent and businesses to scale up, in line with ISTN graduates and product development,” Minister of Creative Economy Riefky explained.
Since June 2025, ISTN has established strategic partnerships with Data Garda, a data center company, to foster continuous collaboration and synergy between academia and industry practitioners in supporting the formation of Indonesia’s digital talent ecosystem. ISTN also collaborates with PT Xynesis Internasional in information management, protection, and cybersecurity.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“We hope the ecosystem foundation created through this collaboration will have a meaningful impact on four areas: contribution to GDP, job creation, exports, and investment, ensuring sustainability,” Minister of Creative Economy Riefky added.
Vice Rector for Transformation, Kuntjoro Pinardi, stated that ISTN is also developing ICT products and services, including Original Device Manufacturing (ODM) for products such as Wi-Fi 7. He emphasized the importance of increasing ICT’s contribution to national GDP and promoting digital exports.
“I am proud that the ICT services sector is now managed at the directorate level within the Ministry of Creative Economy. Hopefully, the Ministry of Creative Economy can facilitate incentives for data centers and digital talent so that ICT services can become a legacy of creative economy growth. This meeting will continue to ensure implementation of other programs we proposed,” Kuntjoro Pinardi said.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Accompanying Minister of Creative Economy Riefky in the meeting were: Deputy for Digital Creativity and Technology Muhammad Neil El Himam, Director of ICT Services Abdul Malik, and Strategic Issues Expert Gemintang K. Mallarangeng.
External participants included: Head of Informatics Department and Secretary-General of Aspiluki Ashari Abidin, Xynesis and Cybersecurity Curriculum Coordinator ISTN Fetri Miftach, Head of Digital Transformation ISTN Kuncoro Atmojo, Prasimax and Embedded Wi-Fi 7 ODM Developer Curriculum Didi Setiadi, Data Garda and Data Center Curriculum Coordinator Margiyatmono, Data Center Course Developer Chief and HR Officer Data Garda Amerio Ruci and Rozaline Putri Ramadhan, and Head of MOOC Firmandhana.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau of Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
