This initiative will engage designers from both countries to enhance the global competitiveness of Indonesia’s creative talents.
“Talent exchange, collaborative workshops, and co-creation of products are key elements in positioning fashion and crafts as the new engines of growth while also supporting the global competitiveness of our creative economy,” Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar noted in a press statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
She emphasized that international cooperation must yield tangible outcomes for industry players through knowledge transfer, business opportunities, and ecosystem development that directly benefit creative entrepreneurs.
Umar also underscored the importance of a collaborative, hexa-helix approach involving the government, businesses, academia, communities, and media to maximize the advantages of cross-border programs.
Since late May 2025, the strategic relationship between Indonesia and France in the creative sector has gained new momentum following President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Jakarta and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering fashion, crafts, design, film, and gaming.
This collaboration serves as a foundation to build a cross-country ecosystem rooted in innovation and cultural values.
One concrete step is the expansion of the PINTU incubation platform, which this year is hosting a Residency Program and Focus Week in Jakarta and Yogyakarta. The initiative brings together creative talents from both nations in a shared working environment.
French Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Fabien Penone, emphasized that the creative sector is an effective diplomatic tool for strengthening ties between nations.
He noted that cultural collaboration is not only about artistic expression but also a future-oriented strategy for creating a more open, inclusive, and sustainable world.
“We believe that culture is not just a legacy but a powerful force that unites nations and opens new doors for global cooperation,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Jakarta Fashion & Food Festival (JF3) Chairperson Soegianto Nagaria highlighted the PINTU program as a growth platform for designers and artisans from both Indonesia and France.
Nagaria explained that participating directly in the collaborative creative process offers a more profound experience than mere exhibitions or promotional events.
“Through PINTU, we have seen how collaboration can generate real impact. Designers and artisans are not just showcasing their work but also building networks, co-creating products, and sharing cultural values,” he remarked.
The seminar also reaffirmed the roles of the fashion and craft subsectors in advancing Indonesia’s creative economy vision as a pillar of cultural diplomacy and a new engine for economic growth.
This collaboration aligns with the priority programs of Ekraf Synergy within Asta Ekraf, which encourages partnerships among industry players to build an interconnected and competitive creative business ecosystem.
Related news: Fashion, food festivals boost creative economy: minister
Related news: BI promotes halal food and fashion through IKRA program
Related news: Fashion acts as cross-cultural bridge, attracts tourists
Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
