Indonesia looks to turn IP into global business opportunities
30 October 2026
Indonesia is seeking to expand the international reach of its creative economy products by encouraging the development and commercialization of intellectual property, helping turn creative works into marketable products and businesses that can compete globally.
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya said Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and creative talent must be better connected to industry needs and market opportunities. The message was highlighted during the government’s 2026 National Creative Economy Day (Hekrafnas).
“Through ongoing collaboration, we transform the potential of culture and millions of young talents into added value that advances regional creative economic actors and expands access to the national creative product market,” Riefky said in a written statement quoted by Antara on October 25.
The government is encouraging creative economy players to look beyond producing original works and develop them into commercially viable products and businesses that generate income. One initiative supporting this goal is Creative by Indonesia, which promotes creative products built around Indonesian intellectual property.
The initiative promotes products across various creative economy subsectors through online platforms and in-person activities, with the aim of raising visibility, strengthening brands and expanding market access both domestically and internationally.
Riefky stressed that local creative entrepreneurs need stronger connections with industry players to bring their work to wider markets.
“The essence of Rekacipta Nusantara is to connect creativity with industry, intellectual property with commercialization, and talent with the market,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar likewise underscored the importance of collaboration among regions, saying that partnerships can help unlock local creative potential and strengthen the competitiveness of products from different parts of Indonesia.
Kawendra Lukistian, chairman of the National Creative Economy Movement (Gekrafs), also emphasized the need for cooperation among stakeholders to maximize the country's creative economy potential.
The 2026 Hekrafnas Summit, organized by Gekrafs, featured several activities, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Gekrafs and the National Police, the launch of its mascots, Krafa and Krafi, and the presentation of the Gekrafs Creative Impact Award.
Gekrafs also received recognition from the Indonesian World Record Museum (MURI) for conducting a 131-day Creative Economy Roadshow. Organizers further invited participants to contribute donations for communities affected by forest and land fires.
This year’s Hekrafnas activities were held in Jakarta, seven provinces and 17 countries through Gekrafs’ network.
Through these initiatives, the Indonesian government aims to help more regional creative economy businesses transform their intellectual property into commercially successful products, strengthen their presence in domestic markets and reach international consumers.
- Asia IP
