Jakarta, March 12, 2025 – The Minister of Creative Economy and Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, attended and spoke at the “Indonesia Go Global” event, held at IDN HQ, Jakarta, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He also witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership between Sour Sally Group and its Philippine counterpart.
Menekraf Teuku Riefky yakin bahwa ekspansi Sour Sally membuka peluang global bagi budaya dan kuliner Indonesia, IDN HQ, Jakarta, Rabu (12/03/2025).
Minister of Creative Economy Riefky expressed pride in Sour Sally’s successful entry into the international market through the signing of a master franchise agreement in the Philippines. The brand has effectively brought Indonesian culinary excellence to the global stage. Previously, Sour Sally launched a $1 million franchise initiative in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, opening a total of 30 outlets across both countries. A key factor in penetrating these Middle Eastern markets was obtaining halal certification from the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH).
Minister of Creative Economy Riefky emphasized that this expansion represents a tangible example of successful gastrodiplomacy, where culinary arts are used as a diplomatic tool to strengthen international relations. He believes gastrodiplomacy is essential for enhancing cooperation between Indonesia and other countries while promoting Indonesian cuisine on a global platform.
“Ministry of Creative Economy is proud to witness Sour Sally’s success in expanding the reach of Indonesian cuisine globally through effective gastrodiplomacy,” said Minister of Creative Economy Riefky.
He also reaffirmed his belief that Indonesia’s creative economy players have the potential to compete and thrive internationally. With the right strategy and government support, the national economic growth target of 8% is within reach.
Communications Bureau of The Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
“We are confident that Indonesian creative economy players can compete on the global stage with the proper strategies and government backing, contributing significantly to our 8% national economic growth target,” he added.
Minister of Creative Economy Riefky expressed hope that Sour Sally’s success will motivate and inspire local culinary entrepreneurs to adopt a global vision and serve as a benchmark for those in Indonesia’s culinary creative economy.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of HIPMI Culinary Indonesia (HCI), Cikhita Virginia Sebayang, thanked Minister of Creative Economy Riefky for his consistent support. She noted that Sour Sally’s international expansion demonstrates the global competitiveness of Indonesian culinary products when supported by effective strategies.
She urged all stakeholders to accelerate international business expansion efforts and ensure the F&B industry remains competitive on the world stage.
Communications Bureau of The Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
“We must intensify our international expansion efforts and ensure that the F&B industry receives the necessary support to compete globally,” said Cikhita.
Donny Pramono, Founder of Sour Sally, acknowledged the crucial role of government support—especially from the Ministry of Creative Economy—in enabling the brand’s international success. He also expressed hope for continued support in terms of knowledge-sharing and certifications to further enhance the quality and consistency of Indonesian culinary products.
“The full support from the government, particularly the Ministry of Creative Economy, has been instrumental in Sour Sally’s global success,” Donny concluded.
In addition, Muhammad Aqil Irham, Secretary of BPJPH, highlighted the vast opportunities for Indonesian brands to enter the halal food markets in the Middle East and among OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) countries.
Communications Bureau of The Ministry of Creative Economy/ Creative Economy Agency
“Global Muslim consumer spending has reached $3 trillion, while Indonesia’s share currently stands at only $13.38 billion. There’s still a huge market potential for Indonesia to expand its halal product exports to OIC countries. I believe we must continue to support the Minister’s efforts to promote Indonesia’s creative economy on the international stage,” said Aqil.
Also in attendance at the event were:
Akbar Himawan Buchari, Chairman of BPP HIPMI
William Lee, Managing Director of PT. Merek Lokal Mendunia
Uni Zulfiani Lubis, Editor-in-Chief of IDN Times
Minister of Creative Economy Riefky was accompanied by Yuke Sri Rahayu, Deputy for Cultural and Design Creativity.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
