Speaking in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, on Wednesday, he noted that he had issued a joint decree with Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, providing guidelines for regional governments to implement the directive.
“This directive is essentially an appeal, encouraging regional heads to identify and capitalize on the creative economic potential of their regions,” Harsya remarked during the opening of the 2025 National Coordination Meeting on Regional Laws.
The minister emphasized that such offices could help stimulate growth in the creative industry, which in turn will create job opportunities, attract investment, and ultimately boost regional gross domestic product.
He added that he and Minister Karnavian are aligned on the importance of considering the financial capacities of each region.
The central government suggested two options: establishing a creative economy office as a standalone local executive institution or forming it as an expansion of an existing unit.
“For instance, regional governments may set up a Tourism and Creative Economy Office or a Tourism, Culture, and Creative Economy Office,” Harsya elaborated.
He highlighted that the joint decree has already prompted numerous regional leaders to begin drafting local regulations and preparing administrative matters to form such offices.
To date, eight provinces have established creative economy offices, while 20 others have received guidance from the ministry to follow suit.
“We can expect to see 28 provincial creative economy offices, or 75 percent of Indonesia’s total provinces,” he said, noting that Southeast Sulawesi is among those preparing to fulfill the directive.
At the district and city level, the ministry has begun guiding about 70 local governments in the same direction.
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Translator: La Ode S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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