Jakarta, 8 April 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in strengthening national resilience and promoting inclusive development. This was conveyed by Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, during a national dialogue and workshop themed “The Role of Women’s Leadership in Developing National Independence and Resilience” held at Jakarta City Hall, Wednesday (8/4).
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, was a speaker at the national dialogue and workshop themed “The Role of Women’s Leadership in Developing National Independence and Resilience” at Jakarta City Hall, Wednesday (8/4/2026).
This forum is a cross-ministerial and institutional collaboration initiated by the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas as part of efforts to strengthen the role of women in national development.
Deputy Minister Irene Umar stated that the creative economy has become a strategic space that is increasingly open to women, especially amid the acceleration of digital transformation.
“The creative economy opens up vast opportunities regardless of background. With the support of technology, women can create from anywhere and become part of the economic drivers. This is an inclusive space that allows anyone to contribute,” said Irene Umar.
She added that strengthening women’s roles through the creative economy also contributes to increasing capacity and independence, as access to business opportunities and innovation continues to expand.
“The creative economy is the new engine of growth that provides broad opportunities for women to thrive. The key lies in the courage to start and confidence in oneself,” she added.
In line with this, the Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Veronica Tan, stated that future development approaches must ensure women are involved as drivers, not merely beneficiaries.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
“Women must be part of the development process. Affirmative policies are needed to ensure women are involved in economic strategies and decision-making,” said Veronica Tan.
Emphasis was also placed on the importance of cross-sector synergy to deliver programs that directly impact family empowerment, local economies, and community-based food security.
Deputy Minister of National Development Planning/Deputy Head of Bappenas, Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard, added that strengthening the role of women aligns with the fourth Asta Cita, which focuses on improving human resource quality as the foundation of national development.
“National resilience is built from the family level. In various conditions, women play a crucial role in maintaining this continuity. Therefore, strengthening women’s capacity is an essential part of improving the quality of Indonesia’s human resources,” he stated.
Cross-ministerial and institutional collaboration in this forum reinforces a more integrated policy direction and encourages the implementation of programs that have a direct impact on society.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
The Ministry of Creative Economy views the strengthening of women’s leadership, particularly through the creative economy sector, as a concrete step in expanding public participation while reinforcing the foundation of inclusive and sustainable national development.
Also attending the dialogue and workshop were Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development/Deputy Head of BKKBN, Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka; Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Indonesia, Gita Kamath; Head of the Regional Development Planning Agency of Jakarta Province, Atika Nur Rahmania; and Deputy for Systems and Strategy at the National Disaster Management Agency, Raditya Jati.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
