Jakarta, 7 November 2025 — The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency facilitated a national dialogue titled “Listening from Behind the Lens” in response to the increasing conflicts and debates surrounding photography ethics in public spaces. This initiative aims to bridge the interests of photographers, communities, and regulators, while fostering a healthy, safe, and productive photography ecosystem for all stakeholders.
Deputi Bidang Kreativitas Media Kementerian Ekraf, Agustini Rahayu, memberi sambutan pada diskusi bertajuk “Mendengar dari Balik Lensa” di Gedung Film Pesona Indonesia, Jakarta, Jumat (7/11/2025).
Through two main discussion sessions—Field Ethics and the Role of Photography Communities and Digital Governance and Data Ethics—the forum provided an open platform for dialogue among photographers, regulators, and ecosystem actors to collaboratively seek solutions.
Deputy for Media Creativity at the Ministry of Creative Economy, Agustini Rahayu, emphasized that the initiative aims to strengthen the photography ecosystem as an integral part of the national creative economy.
“We want to hear directly from photographers about the dynamics and challenges they face in the field. One of our responsibilities at the Ministry is to open distribution and commercialization pathways for every creative subsector so that the creative economy continues to move forward,” Agustini said during the session held at the Pesona Indonesia Film Building, Jakarta, Friday, 7 November 2025.
She added that disruptions to the photography ecosystem could affect the broader creative economy value chain. Agustini further stressed that the role of government is not solely as regulator, but also as facilitator and coordinator.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“The recent cases have disrupted workflow and interactions in the industry. That is why we are here—to facilitate collaborative problem-solving rather than finger-pointing. The government is not a frightening regulator, but a bridge that connects shared interests. Our aim is to ensure that the photography industry operates smoothly, ethically, and transparently,” she explained.
Director of Publishing and Photography at the Ministry of Creative Economy, Iman Santosa, stated that this activity reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive photography ecosystem. He emphasized that the dialogue would not end merely as a discussion.
“We want to help photographers resolve issues arising in society. Our goal is simple: to create an ecosystem where people can work safely while respecting one another. Moving forward, we will formulate joint recommendations to be submitted to relevant authorities, including local governments and other institutions such as the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. We aim to identify concrete solutions that safeguard safety and comfort for all parties,” he stated.
Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Professional photographer Jerry Aurum expressed appreciation for the participants’ enthusiasm and highlighted the importance of platforms like this in nurturing cross-sector collaboration.
“Photography is not just visual work—it reflects our perspectives on people and public space. Through this forum, we want to hear directly from those behind the lens. We hope legal protection and creative freedom can coexist harmoniously,” he said.
Through this initiative, the Ministry of Creative Economy hopes to establish sustained synergy among industry players, communities, and government in strengthening national photography governance. Photography is not merely a form of visual expression, but a vital component of Indonesia’s creative economy that must be collectively protected. This dialogue is not the final outcome but part of an ongoing process of finding shared solutions that will be forwarded to regulators.
The event was attended by various photography industry stakeholders, including associations, industry players, communities, and government representatives. From the Ministry of Creative Economy, Special Advisor to the Minister for Internal Management and Organizational Effectiveness, Yanuar Pranuradhi, was present as one of the ministry’s representatives.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Communication Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
