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THE MINISTER of Creative Economy (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsa, held a bilateral meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Rebeca Grynspan, at UNCTAD headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday, (12/04), 2025.
This meeting affirmed the commitment of both parties to strengthen strategic cooperation in developing the creative economy as a new engine of sustainable economic growth.
The UNCTAD Secretary-General expressed his appreciation and recognition for Indonesia’s efforts in developing the creative economy. He assessed that Indonesia’s steps could serve as an example for development in developing countries.
Indonesia is considered successful in building an inclusive, adaptive creative economy ecosystem that has made a significant contribution to national economic growth.
“Indonesia demonstrates how the creative economy can become a pillar of inclusive and sustainable development in developing countries. Indonesia’s experience is highly relevant as a global reference,” said UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan.
Responding to this, Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsa stated that the recognition from UNCTAD reinforces President Prabowo’s policy direction in developing the national creative economy (Ekraf).
“This recognition from UNCTAD is proof that the steps to strengthen the creative economy ecosystem we are building are on the right track. Indonesia is ready to collaborate with various parties, especially other developing countries,” Teuku Riefky affirmed.
The Ministry of Creative Economy and UNCTAD have agreed to collaborate on the development of the “Creative Economy Outlook 2026,” which is scheduled to be launched in October 2026. This publication will emphasize the creative economy policies currently being implemented by Indonesia in relation to sustainable development, digital transformation, and strengthening global competitiveness.
The two parties also agreed to co-organize an international program planned as part of the “World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) 2026,” scheduled for October 2026.
“We welcome the initiative and commitment from UNCTAD, particularly regarding the proposed joint activities that can strengthen global networks, open up opportunities for business collaboration, and enhance the promotion of our creative products in the international market,” added Teuku Riefky.
Furthermore, UNCTAD expressed its technical and policy support to Indonesia, particularly in: (1) Analysis and recommendations for strengthening the Creative Economy Law (UU Ekraf); (2) Strengthening the Creative Economy Development Master Plan (Rindekraf); and (3) Developing an Intellectual Property (IP)-based financing scheme.
The Minister of Creative Economy emphasized that this collaboration is highly strategic and will serve as an important foundation for accelerating the transformation of the national economy based on creativity and innovation.
“This collaboration with UNCTAD will strengthen Indonesia’s position as a global hub for the creative economy, while expanding the creative economy (Ekraf) sector’s contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” concluded Teuku Riefky.
UNCTAD is a United Nations (UN) agency focused on sustainable development issues, particularly in developing countries. UNCTAD is also known for consistently providing research, analysis, data, and policy recommendations related to trade, investment, and global development. [traveltext.id]
