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THE INDONESIAN Ministry of Creative Economy (Ekraf) is exploring opportunities for collaboration between Indonesia and Ireland to advance the creative industry as an engine of economic growth.
According to Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, said I consider Ireland to be the right partner to push Indonesia’s creative economy ecosystem towards the international market.
“The creative economy (ekraf) not only creates jobs but also shapes a more inclusive and forward-thinking economy. In this context, Ireland is the right partner, with its strong content in storytelling, the digital industry, literature, and film, reflecting a globally connected creative ecosystem,” he said in a statement received on Wednesday. (04/1), 2026.
Ireland is listed as one of the world’s largest exporters of creative services, with a value reaching US$231 billion in 2022. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s exports to Ireland in the computer and data processing sector reached US$11.9 million in 2024.
Thus, interconnectedness between the countries can continue to foster collaboration to make the creative economy one of the driving forces of Indonesia’s growth, driven by ideas, innovation, and talent.
Riefky stated that the Ministry of Creative Economy will continue to support greater talent exchange through student programs, artist residencies, and cultural initiatives with Ireland to ensure its competitiveness not only at the national level but also within the global creative community.
In the meeting, which also celebrated Ireland’s National Day or Saint Patrick’s Day, the Irish Ambassador to Indonesia, Sharon Lennon, expressed her appreciation for the presence of the Indonesian Government, represented by the Minister of Creative Economy and his staff.
This meeting demonstrated the importance of the relationship between creativity and culture as a bridge for cooperation between the two countries.
“Saint Patrick’s Day is not just a celebration of Ireland, but also about creativity and culture connected to the global community. We see Indonesia as an important partner, so the creative economy is at the heart of the collaboration we want to build and grow together,” Sharon Lennon affirmed.
Sharon Lennon also emphasized Ireland’s commitment to expanding global cooperation, including with Indonesia, through diplomatic missions covering the fashion, gaming, gastronomy, culture, and other creative industries in more than 50 countries.
She hopes that Indonesia can be part of the global celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day and strengthen collaboration between industry activists, academics, and creative communities from both countries. [traveltext.id]
