Jakarta, 12 March, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) has responded to public concerns regarding photography practices in public spaces that have recently gained attention on social media and in national news. The controversy arising in areas such as Gelora Bung Karno and Tebet Eco Park highlights the need for clearer governance to ensure public spaces remain safe, comfortable, and dignified for all.
Through the Directorate of Publishing and Photography under the Deputy for Media Creativity, the Ministry organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Listening from Behind the Lens.” The event was held at the Film Pesona Indonesia Building in Jakarta on Thursday (November 7, 2025).
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya emphasized that the use of public spaces must balance creative freedom with respect for public rights.
“Public spaces belong to everyone and must be enjoyed safely, comfortably, and with dignity. Photography practices in public spaces should support creativity and economic opportunities, while still adhering to ethics, protecting privacy, and ensuring clear governance,” he stated.
As a follow-up, the Ministry convened stakeholders including sports venue managers, photography communities, sports enthusiasts, and photo distribution platforms to discuss ethics, privacy protection, and the regulation of photography activities in public spaces.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Deputy for Media Creativity Agustini Rahayu explained that the dialogue served as a collaborative platform to formulate balanced solutions.
“This FGD serves as a strategic forum to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders and to develop recommendations that strengthen the creative economy while ensuring that photography practices in public spaces remain orderly and ethical,” she said.
The discussion results were compiled with input from professional photographers, including Jerry Aurum, Andrew Linggar, Priadi, and Bambang Wijanarko, supported by the technical team from the Directorate of Publishing and Photography. The process produced recommendations emphasizing the importance of balancing creativity, professional ethics, and the protection of individual rights.
Representing the drafting team, Jerry Aurum expressed appreciation for the government’s responsive action in addressing the issue.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
“I highly appreciate the Ministry’s initiative and responsiveness in addressing this photography issue, representing the Indonesian photography community. Such sensitivity that leads to collaborative recommendations should continue to be strengthened to ensure the creative industry thrives within a healthy national ecosystem,” he said.
As a follow-up, on March 3, 2026, the Minister issued Recommendation Letter Number SD/KM.04/18/MK-EK/2026 addressed to President Prabowo Subianto through the Minister of State Secretariat, as well as to the Minister of Communication and Digital, the Governor of DKI Jakarta, and the Metro Jaya Regional Police Chief.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The recommendations encourage sports venue managers to establish clear regulations regarding photography activities, including designated zones and transparent permitting mechanisms. Additionally, photo distribution platforms are urged to implement consent-based systems such as opt-in and opt-out mechanisms and to strengthen personal data protection.
Creative economy players in the photography subsector are also expected to enhance their understanding of ethics and legal aspects in public photography practices, including the use of clear identification while working.
Through these efforts, the Ministry aims to create a more orderly, professional, and respectful ecosystem for sports photography in public spaces, while strengthening the photography subsector as an integral part of the national creative economy.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
