Surabaya, June 25, 2025 — The Ministry of Creative Economy held a Business Literacy program for creative economy talents in collaboration with several strategic partners, including the Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan/OJK), Bank Mandiri, and Finatra (FIFGROUP). Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, stated that the initiative aims to ensure that creative economy talents are not only capable of producing innovative works but are also equipped to thrive in business.
“We want creative economy talents to be not only inventive in their products but also proficient in running a business. Sustainability lies in the ability to manage a business professionally, including gaining access to and utilizing financial support,” said Minister Riefky on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
The Business Literacy program held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Surabaya is part of the Ministry of Creative Economy’s ongoing efforts to build a well-structured creative economy ecosystem through practical understanding of risk mitigation, access to financing, and the ability to independently identify business opportunities, particularly in labor-intensive subsectors such as culinary, crafts, fashion, and digital applications. The goal is to strengthen the creative economy ecosystem as a new engine of national growth.
Meanwhile, Director of Access to Finance, Funding, and Investment Development at the Ministry of Creative Economy Anggara Hayun Anujuprana stated that this activity is more than just a ceremonial event. He emphasized it as an effort to integrate a sustainable creative economy assistance ecosystem.
“We’re providing mentoring, coaching, and expanding financing networks so that creative talents do not have to walk the path alone. Business literacy is the gateway to building a healthy and independent ecosystem,” Anggara explained.
Senior Advisor for Funding and Financing of the Ministry of Creative Economy Restog Krisna Kusuma also underscored the importance of business literacy as a foundational step for creative entrepreneurs. He stated that a thriving creative economy ecosystem depends on a solid understanding of business management.
"Business literacy is the foundation that enables creative economy talents to grow in a measurable way. Amid competition and market changes, we want business actors to operate more professionally, innovatively, and with a focus on sustainability," said Restog.
This initiative also strengthens collaboration between the government, the banking sector, and financial institutions in expanding access for creative economy talents. Key issues such as illegal investments, online lending, and financial risk management were also addressed to ensure that business actors do not fall into harmful financial practices that hinder the sustainability of the creative industry.
Cicilia Tri Hapsariningtyas, Head of the Microfinancing Division at Finatra (FIFGROUP), emphasized the crucial role of financial institutions in scaling up creative sector businesses. She expressed hope that this would help creative economy talents grow further.
“We want creative talents to not only understand financing but also be able to use it as a strategy for growth, not merely survival,” said Cicilia.
The government stressed that strengthening the creative economy ecosystem can only be achieved if business actors are equipped with sufficient capacity. Not only in terms of creativity and innovation, but also in business feasibility, financial compliance, and resilience to market disruptions.
Also present at the event were representatives from the East Java Provincial Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan/OJK) and Bank Mandiri, who delivered thematic presentations and shared case studies on mentoring MSMEs and creative economy actors in the field.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
