Jakarta, 15 November 2025 – Minister of Creative Economy/Head of Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, stated that radio continues to play an important role as a strategic channel for distributing creative content across regions. Especially amidst the surge of media and digitalization, radio listenership in 10 major cities still reaches 16 million people.
Deputi Bidang Kreativitas Media Kementerian Ekraf, Agustini Rahayu, memberi sambutan pada acara Radio Summit XVIII 2025 yang digelar di Hotel 101 Kebon Sirih, Jakarta, Sabtu (15/11/2025).
“Radio is no longer viewed merely as a traditional medium, but as an essential part of the creative economy that must be able to develop new business models in the digital era. The Ministry of Creative Economy is committed to supporting the strengthening of the radio industry to remain relevant, competitive, and contribute to the growth of regional creative economies,” said Minister Riefky on Saturday, 15 November 2025.
The 16 million radio listeners recorded by the Indonesian National Private Radio Association (PRSSNI) prove radio’s continued relevance. Therefore, PRSSNI, the Radio Discussion Forum (FDR), and the support of the Ministry of Creative Economy organized Radio Summit XVIII 2025 as a platform to bring together radio industry stakeholders from across the country, advertisers, academics, and regulators, reaffirming radio’s position as a strategic sector with strong competitiveness amid changing media landscapes. PRSSNI data also shows that radio advertising expenditure remains high at around IDR 750 billion per year.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Radio Summit XVIII 2025 took place on Saturday, 15 November 2025, at Hotel 101 Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, with the theme “Radio Is Not Just A Vibe, It’s A Business.” Radio continues to be a trusted medium with broad reach, particularly in areas where internet access is limited.
Historically, radio has played a significant role in the nation’s journey. Beyond being an information medium, radio serves as an emergency communication tool during crises, a public education platform, a vehicle for cultural preservation, and a promotion channel for local arts. Its role as a social glue through music, language, and storytelling makes radio an essential part of the national creative ecosystem.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
However, the radio industry now faces significant challenges from competition with social media, streaming platforms, and on-demand content, which have changed audience consumption behavior. Younger generations increasingly turn to podcasts and digital content, while advertising budgets shift to online platforms, requiring radio to adapt through content innovation and digital transformation.
Deputy for Media Creativity of the Ministry of Creative Economy, Agustini Rahayu, encouraged all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration to ensure radio remains relevant. She emphasized that this Radio Summit should serve as a new impetus for the revival of national radio.
“Radio Summit XVIII must become a momentum for the revival of national radio. I call on all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration so that the radio industry remains relevant, resilient, and able to adapt in the digital era,” she said.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Meanwhile, PRSSNI Chairman M. Rafik added that radio must move swiftly in digital transformation. According to him, cross-generational and cross-media collaboration is a crucial strategy to strengthen radio’s position as a modern industry that remains close to local identity.
“Collaboration is key. Going it alone is not easy. But with synergy among radio stations, associations, and creative practitioners, we can make radio a new economic force,” said M. Rafik.
Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The Ministry of Creative Economy reaffirms its commitment to continuously support the strengthening of the national broadcasting ecosystem through facilitation, adaptive regulation, and strategic partnerships. With ongoing innovation, radio is expected to maintain its role as a strong, inclusive, and competitive medium within Indonesia’s creative economy landscape.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
