Indonesia’s creative economy generates $94 billion, 26 million jobs

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s creative economy has emerged as a key national growth driver, generating more than Rp1,500 trillion ($94 billion) in GDP and employing 26.47 million people in the year since October 2024, the government said Wednesday.Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya reported the sector’s achievements to President Prabowo Subianto during a Limited Cabinet Meeting at the Merdeka Palace.“The creative economy has proven its resilience amid global challenges,” Harsya said in a statement Thursday, noting investment in the first half of 2025 reached Rp90.1 trillion ($5.6 billion), or 66 percent of the annual target, reflecting strong investor confidence.Exports from creative industries reached $12.9 billion in the first half, the highest in five years and 49 percent of the 2025 target. The sector’s GDP growth rate hit 5.69 percent, exceeding the annual goal, and its contribution now accounts for about seven percent of national output.Young professionals dominate the workforce, with most employees under 40 years old, Harsya said. Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, the United States, and China remain the top investors, while Jakarta continues to lead in domestic investment with Rp25.97 trillion, followed by East Java, West Java, Banten, and Central Java.The most attractive subsectors for investors include applications, fashion, crafts, and culinary industries. Fashion exports led with $7.09 billion, followed by crafts at $5.01 billion and culinary goods at $767 million.The United States remains the top export market, with Switzerland, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates showing strong growth.“We want Indonesia’s creative exports to not only thrive in Asia but also build a stronger global presence,” Harsya said.The ministry has set strategic priorities for 2026, focusing on investment expansion, export growth, and workforce development. As part of this plan, Indonesia will host the World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) 2026, the world’s largest creative industry forum with participants from more than 50 countries.