Yogyakarta, 24 April, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) emphasized the importance of strengthening innovation-based entrepreneurship to drive national economic growth. This commitment was demonstrated through its participation in the Entrepreneurs Leadership Conference (ELC) 2026, organized by HIPMI PT Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, served as a speaker at the event held at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, on Friday (April 24, 2026).
The Minister stated that shifting market behavior requires creative economy players not only to sell products but also to deliver value, storytelling, and experience.
“Therefore, MSMEs must not only survive but also scale up through differentiation, digitalization, and collaboration,” he said.
He further explained that the current economic condition resembles a paradox—business actors are facing declining sales and margins, while at the same time new opportunities are emerging through digital platforms. This situation demands businesses to adapt quickly and understand evolving market behavior.
This transformation is driving a shift in business models from simply selling products to creating added value. In this context, the creative economy serves as a new approach that places creativity and innovation as the main foundation for business growth.
Doc. Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The Minister also noted that the creative economy sector is increasingly relevant for younger generations, particularly Gen Z, who tend to prefer flexible, interest-based work supported by digital technology. This characteristic makes the sector a strong potential driver for job creation while addressing unemployment challenges.
Carrying the theme “Surviving and Growing Amid Declining Consumer Spending: The Role of the Creative Economy for Local MSMEs in Digital Adaptation,” ELC 2026 served as a strategic platform to strengthen business capacity and encourage the use of technology in business development.
During the forum, speakers from various ministries agreed that strengthening MSMEs depends not only on product innovation but also on ecosystem support, including digitalization, access to financing, and workforce readiness aligned with technological developments. This collaboration reflects a hexahelix approach involving government, academia, businesses, communities, media, and financial institutions to enhance Indonesia’s creative economy competitiveness.
Doc. Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The participation of more than 400 attendees highlighted strong student interest in entrepreneurship, particularly within the creative economy sector. Beyond discussions, participants also used the forum to build networks and prepare themselves as future entrepreneurs.
Vice Rector for Human Resources at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Supriyadi, emphasized the role of universities in preparing talents who can meet the evolving needs of industries.
“Campuses are not only spaces for learning but also ecosystems that foster innovative and collaborative young entrepreneurs,” he said.
Chairman of HIPMI PT UGM, Aswin Hadyan, added that ELC 2026 serves as a platform for students to develop their entrepreneurial capacity in a more structured way.
“We aim to encourage students not only to start businesses but also to build sustainable ventures through technology and collaboration,” he said.
As part of the event, the Ministry of Creative Economy, together with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, presented awards to selected MSMEs for their innovation and contributions to the creative economy.
Doc. Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The Ministry views HIPMI PT UGM as a strategic partner in building a progressive young entrepreneurship ecosystem. This collaboration is part of broader efforts to strengthen the creative economy as a new engine of growth driven by innovation and cross-sector collaboration.
“In times of global uncertainty, it is not the biggest who survive, but the most adaptive,” the Minister concluded.
The Minister was accompanied by Deputy for Creativity and Technology Muhammad Neil El Himam.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
