Jakarta, 18 June 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) is exploring collaboration opportunities with Fremantle Indonesia, which is advocating for Indonesia to become the production location for Asia’s Got Talent. Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar believes that hosting the pan-Asian talent competition would generate significant benefits for Indonesia’s creative economy ecosystem.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, received a delegation from Fremantle Indonesia to discuss the potential hosting of Asia’s Got Talent in Indonesia, Jakarta, on Thursday (18 June 2026).
“If Indonesia is selected as the production location, this will be about much more than a television program. It will be an opportunity to showcase Indonesia’s culture, destinations, and creative talent to international audiences. What we are promoting is not only the show itself, but the complete Indonesian experience,” said the Deputy Minister at Autograph Tower, Jakarta, on Thursday (18/6).
The Deputy Minister also noted that Indonesia possesses several strategic advantages as a production destination, including diverse locations with stunning natural landscapes and strong visual appeal, relatively competitive production costs, and a creative workforce and ecosystem that are highly capable, innovative, and internationally competitive.
This combination positions Indonesia not only as an attractive filming destination but also as an efficient and high-value global content production hub, both visually and economically.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The Deputy Minister added that hosting a large-scale international production could create multiplier effects across various creative economy subsectors, including fashion, crafts, culinary arts, and supporting creative services involved throughout the production process.
During the meeting, President Director of Fremantle Indonesia, Sakti Parantean, explained that the company is actively pursuing Indonesia’s candidacy as the production location for Asia’s Got Talent, which is broadcast across multiple Asian countries. The program is currently in the process of selecting a host location, with several countries under consideration.
“We want to bring Asia’s Got Talent to Indonesia because this is not only about producing a television program, but also about introducing Indonesia to millions of viewers across Asia. Through this platform, we hope to showcase Indonesia’s cultural diversity while demonstrating the capabilities of the country’s creative and production industries to regional audiences,” said Sakti Parantean.
Sakti further explained that the program is expected to involve approximately 400 contestants from 15 to 20 Asian countries or territories, while also attracting hundreds of production crew members, media representatives, delegates, and international creative industry stakeholders. Their presence is expected to generate direct economic impact while increasing Indonesia’s visibility across regional markets.
Photo: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The Deputy Minister also reaffirmed that the Ministry of Creative Economy is prepared to support the initiative by facilitating communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders, including InJourney, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), government institutions, and other strategic partners. Such cross-sector collaboration is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s readiness to host an international-scale production.
“We are open to helping connect relevant partners and exploring collaboration opportunities wherever possible. Our hope is that this initiative will create broader benefits for Indonesia’s creative economy ecosystem,” she said.
The Ministry of Creative Economy views the potential arrival of international productions such as Asia’s Got Talent as aligned with its efforts to position the creative economy as the new engine of growth through stronger cross-sector collaboration, expanded market access for Indonesian creative talent, and the creation of wider economic value for local communities and creative businesses.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau of Communications
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
