By : Rivka Mayangsari*)
In recent years, Indonesia’s creative economy has shown very positive performance. As a sector that continues to develop, the creative economy is not only the main pillar of national economic recovery but also a symbol of the nation’s innovation and creativity. With various achievements achieved in 2024, this sector is increasingly showing the great potential it has in driving sustainable economic growth.One extraordinary achievement that should be appreciated is the added value of Indonesia’s creative economy which reached IDR 749.59 trillion in the first semester of 2024. This figure not only reflects significant growth but also shows that the creative economy is able to make a real contribution to Gross Domestic Product ( GDP) Indonesia. This sector also contributed 55.65 percent of the annual target set by the government, namely IDR 1,347 trillion.Apart from that, exports of Indonesia’s creative economy products have also experienced a significant increase. Adyatama Tourism and Creative Economy Main Expert, Nia Niscaya, revealed that in 2024, exports from this sector will reach USD 12.36 billion and have reached 44.8 percent of the set target, with dominance in the fashion, craft and culinary sectors.This figure reflects the increase in international market confidence in Indonesian creative products which are known to be unique and of high quality.The fashion sector is the largest contributor to creative economy exports, followed by crafts and culinary. This shows that Indonesia is not only able to compete in the domestic market but also has strong competitiveness in the global market. Indonesian fashion products, which often incorporate local wisdom and design innovation, have succeeded in attracting the attention of international consumers. Meanwhile, crafts and culinary delights, with their unique culture and taste, have also succeeded in penetrating the global market, strengthening Indonesia’s image as a country with invaluable cultural riches.Not only does it stop at added value and exports, Indonesia’s creative economy has also shown a significant increase in job creation. In the first quarter of 2024, this sector succeeded in creating new jobs which contributed to reducing the unemployment rate in Indonesia.Previously, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, stated that he was optimistic that the added value of the creative economy could exceed the achievements of 2023, at which time the value of the creative economy and tourism was recorded at IDR 1,415 trillion. According to him, this achievement cannot be separated from the hard efforts of all parties involved in developing the creative economy.This sector has great potential to continue to grow and develop, especially with the support of proactive government policies and collaboration between the public and private sectors. Sandiaga emphasized that with intensive and sustainable promotion, the creative economy sector is expected to surpass the achievements of previous years. Job creation in the creative economy sector not only has a positive impact on the economy but also improves people’s welfare, especially for those directly involved in the creative industry.With all the achievements that have been achieved, Indonesia’s creative economy has great opportunities to continue to grow and develop in the future. However, challenges still exist, especially in terms of improving the quality of human resources (HR) and technological innovation. The government, in this case the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, continues to encourage human resource development through various training and education programs focused on improving skills and creativity.Apart from that, technological innovation is also one of the main focuses in developing the creative economy. Digital technology, for example, has opened up new opportunities for creative industry players to develop their businesses more efficiently and reach wider markets. The use of digital platforms in the marketing and distribution of creative products is one of the keys to success that can increase the competitiveness of Indonesian products on the global stage.With all its potential and significant contribution to the economy and employment, this sector is an important pillar in national economic development, so it is not an exaggeration if we give high appreciation to the positive record of Indonesia’s creative economy. This sector is not only the backbone of the national economy but also a reflection of the spirit of innovation and creativity of the nation’s children. Support from all elements of society, including the government, business actors and consumers, is very necessary so that Indonesia’s creative economy can continue to develop and make a real contribution to the welfare of all Indonesian people.In the future, with the various initiatives that have been carried out and continue to be improved, it is hoped that Indonesia’s creative economy can achieve higher targets and have a wider impact. These achievements must be used as motivation to continue working and innovating, so that Indonesia’s creative economy can become one of the main pillars in building a sustainable and inclusive economy.Through strong collaboration between government, industry and society, Indonesia’s creative economy has a great opportunity to become an economic force to be reckoned with at the global level. Let’s support and appreciate every positive step that has been achieved, while continuing to strive to achieve even more brilliant achievements in the future.*) Economic observer