Jakarta, July 10, 2025 – Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya and West Halmahera Regent James Uang have agreed to accelerate the establishment of a Creative Economy Office to optimize the potential of five key subsectors, ranging from traditional weaving to the performing art of Cakalele dance. This collaboration is expected to enhance the creative economy’s contribution to the Regional Gross Domestic Product (RGDP) of the regency.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf - Dukung Ekraf Daerah, Menteri Ekraf dan Bupati Halmahera Barat Siapkan Dinas Ekonomi Kreatif, Jakarta, Kamis (10/7/2025).
“We are encouraging West Halmahera to establish a Creative Economy Office either independently or in combination with other sectors. This is necessary to ensure more focused coordination in developing creative economy strategies. It will also allow for further identification of promising creative subsectors in the region,” stated the Minister during a meeting at Autograph Tower, Thamrin Nine, Jakarta, on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
Both parties also discussed collaboration and coordination in utilizing tourism areas for activities related to creative economy subsectors. Several growing creative economy subsectors in this North Maluku regency include music, performing arts, culinary, crafts, and fashion.
This potential partnership reflects the joint commitment of the central and regional governments to deliver a positive impact on the local economy and community welfare.
“Tourist destinations in West Halmahera can be enjoyed through activities that incorporate creative economy elements. Supporting infrastructure, such as tourism areas, hotels, and restaurants, can also continue to be improved. This will drive creative economy growth, promoting not only the natural beauty but also the excellence of local creative products,” the Minister explained.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Creative Economy and West Halmahera Regency will serve as a new engine for national economic growth, starting from the regional level. Although West Halmahera covers only 2,080.21 square kilometers, several creative products and works stand out, such as Halmahera Barat Weaving (fashion), Saloi Rattan Bags (crafts), Apang Kenari Cake (culinary), and Performing Arts (Cakalele Dance and Salai Jin Dance).
“Young people in West Halmahera often showcase traditional music performances at local tourist attractions. These activities attract public interest to visit local tourism spots. As a regional government, we always support the youth and continue to encourage the community to develop the potential of the local creative economy,” said the West Halmahera Regent.
Echoing the Minister’s statement, the Regent also emphasized that the formation of a Creative Economy Office reflects a strong commitment to advancing creative economy subsectors in eastern Indonesia.
“Later, we will include the Creative Economy Office as part of divisions like the Department of Tourism and Youth and Sports. The Minister of Creative Economy also mentioned that some programs or activities can be carried out in collaboration with local governments. These will be aligned with the creative economy potential of West Halmahera to boost the development of other creative subsectors,” added James Uang.
The meeting was also attended by Radi Manggala, Director of Marketing System Development and Institutional Relations, accompanying the Minister. Meanwhile, the West Halmahera Regent was accompanied by Yoram Uang, Chairman of Commission 1 of the West Halmahera Regional House of Representatives.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
