"The creative economy is the face of Indonesia's future —not only for its contribution to gross domestic product (GDP), but also because it unites boundless creativity, cultural values, and innovation across sectors and borders," she noted in a press statement on Thursday.
She emphasized that the creative economy serves as a strategic growth engine for the future, driven by collaboration, capacity-building, and the potential of younger generations to address global challenges as Indonesia moves toward its Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
Umar also underscored the importance of international collaboration between cultural communities and creative practitioners from Southeast Asia and the United Kingdom, as part of efforts to strengthen the creative economy ecosystem.
One such effort is the ASEAN-UK Cultural and Creative Hubs Grant Scheme training program held at the British Council in Jakarta, which is expected to be replicated and expanded through concrete partnerships among communities, governments, and international stakeholders.
Summer Xia, Country Director for Indonesia and Lead for Southeast Asia at the British Council, said the initiative goes beyond simply building international networks — it is a long-term investment to improve the global competitiveness of local creatives.
"We believe creativity is a global force, and this initiative brings together cross-cultural potential to shape an inclusive future," Xia said.
Jonathan GT Tan, Head of the Culture and Information Division at the ASEAN Secretariat's Sustainable Development Directorate, said Indonesia's active participation in the program reflects its commitment to advancing the region’s creative economy.
He expressed hope that the initiative would evolve into sustainable programs with real impact at both national and regional levels.
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Translator: Fitra Ashari, Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: Anton Santoso
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