Jakarta, 17 November 2025 — Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency Teuku Riefky Harsya welcomed BINUS University’s plan to host the Design Thinking & User Experience (DTUX) Summit 2025. During an audience at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta on Monday, 17 November 2025, the Minister emphasized that higher education institutions, including BINUS, play a key role in producing creative human resources aligned with the high level of digital investment and labor market needs.
Menteri Ekonomi Kreatif, Teuku Riefky Harsya, menerima audiensi dari Bina Nusantara University (BINUS) di Kantor Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif, Jakarta, Senin (17/11/2025).
“High investment naturally correlates with the demand for skilled workers, impacting both the labor market and exports. Most investors are also looking at international opportunities. Today, the largest investments come from the digital sector. Moreover, creative economy talent is suitable for the younger generation and provides solutions to unemployment. Therefore, we position the creative economy as a space for creating new jobs and strengthening the middle class,” said Minister Teuku Riefky.
The meeting discussed plans for the DTUX Summit 2025, a multi-stakeholder forum initiated by Singapore Polytechnic to promote the application of design thinking in public policy across ASEAN. Hosted by BINUS University on 27 November, the summit carries the theme “Advancing Humanity-Centered Innovation (HCD+) in Indonesia and Across Asia”.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf/ Badan Ekraf
Minister Riefky expressed appreciation for BINUS University as an academic component of the hexahelix model, sharing a vision aligned with the national creative economy development.
BINUS University Rector Nelly explained that the university has over 50,000 active students across more than 100 study programs. She emphasized BINUS’ commitment to producing both global professionals and entrepreneurs.
“Our programs are designed to ensure students can become professionals or business owners. Student entrepreneurship trends are steadily increasing as we offer programs focusing on creative business, including annual exhibitions and creative partnerships,” she said.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf/ Badan Ekraf
BINUS University’s presence in several Indonesian regions—including Jakarta, Bekasi, Semarang, Malang, and Medan—aligns with the Ministry of Creative Economy’s goal to make the creative economy a new engine of national growth starting from regional areas. Secretary of the Ministry/Main Secretary Dessy Ruhati added that strengthening the creative ecosystem cannot rely solely on the central government. Growth of creative actors largely occurs in the regions, requiring institutional alignment.
“In many regions, there are still no creative economy offices. Currently, we are establishing them in 22 provinces and 87 regencies/cities, with West Bandung Regency being the first to have an independent Creative Economy Office. We will continue to develop this initiative,” she said.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf/ Badan Ekraf
Deputy for Strategic Development of the Creative Economy Cecep Rukendi noted that universities are an essential component of the hexahelix model. The Ministry has facilitated the formation of the Creative Economy Higher Education Consortium.
“This consortium serves as a platform for universities sharing a similar vision to develop creative knowledge. It is now officially recognized as a legal entity and open to all interested parties,” Cecep explained.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf/ Badan Ekraf
Closing the meeting, Minister Riefky emphasized the consortium’s importance in strengthening national creative talent, enabling cross-institutional support, and accelerating the achievement of RPJMN targets.
“We already have annual targets up to 2029, and the 2025 trends are positive. As a newly established ministry, we continue to promote collaboration to ensure future partnerships are increasingly effective,” added Minister Riefky.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekraf/ Badan Ekraf
The audience was attended by President of BINUS Higher Education & Professional Services Stephen Wahyudi Santoso, alongside BINUS University leadership, with Minister Riefky accompanied by Director of Strategic Studies and Management Agus Syarip Hidayat.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau of Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
