Indonesia is placing greater emphasis on its creative economy as a key pillar of future growth, with the government projecting massive investment inflows into the sector over the coming years. By 2027, investment in the country’s creative economy is expected to reach between Rp133.74 trillion and Rp157.65 trillion, reflecting its increasingly important role in driving national development.
The ambitious target was outlined by Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya during a meeting with Commission VII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta, as cited on Tuesday (June 16, 2026). According to him, the investment projection is not merely a numerical target. It serves as an instrument to support the government’s work plan (RKP) for next year while implementing the President’s strategic mandate under the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).
Riefky stressed that the creative economy is expected to become a new source of growth capable of transforming Indonesia’s economic structure.
“The target underscores the role of the creative economy sector as a new engine driving structural transformation toward a creativity-based economy, while also strengthening Indonesia’s competitiveness in the global market,” Riefky said.
Beyond investment figures, the ministry has also been assigned broader economic targets under the same mandate. These include contributing 5.8% to gross domestic product (GDP) growth and achieving export growth of 5.5%. The value of creative economy exports is also expected to reach US$29.39 billion.
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At the same time, the sector is projected to experience investment growth ranging from 6.2% to 7.6%. Employment creation remains another major objective, with the creative economy expected to absorb as many as 26.58 million workers by 2027.
The government sees the creative economy as a strategic tool that extends far beyond cultural and artistic industries. According to Riefky, the sector can significantly support government priorities in several areas, particularly community and village-based economies, poverty alleviation efforts, downstream industrialization, and post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction.
To achieve these goals, the Ministry of Creative Economy has prepared several initiatives. Among them are creative village activation programs aimed at unlocking local potential and expanding economic opportunities in rural areas. The ministry also plans to strengthen creative hubs, launch the “Creative by Indonesia” campaign, and provide support for economic recovery in communities affected by disasters.
Riefky emphasized that the ministry’s programs for 2027 are designed to support broader national objectives rather than operate independently.
“Therefore, the 2027 Creative Economy programs do not stand alone as sectoral programs, but instead serve as instruments to strengthen national priority agendas in creating jobs, increasing public income, enhancing local potential, and accelerating regional development equality,” he said.
Despite these ambitious plans, the ministry acknowledges that additional financial support is still needed. During the same meeting, Riefky informed lawmakers that the Ministry of Creative Economy requires an additional Rp1.73 trillion beyond the indicative ceiling allocated in next year’s draft state budget (RAPBN).
He explained that the extra funding is essential for strengthening the ministry’s ability to meet its various targets. The additional budget, he noted, is intended not only to cover operational needs but also to ensure the ministry can effectively deliver on its broader economic mission.
As Indonesia seeks new engines of growth in an increasingly competitive global landscape, the creative economy is emerging as a central component of the country’s long-term development strategy. With ambitious investment targets, export goals, and job creation plans in place, the government is positioning creativity and innovation as key drivers of future prosperity.
