Indonesia expands creative economy collaborations with US and global creators

Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya invited the United States Embassy in Jakarta to deepen cooperation in the gaming sector. The initiative includes establishing American Corners in Indonesian creative hubs and supporting the American Spaces Indonesia Esports Development (ASIED) programme, which ran for seven months in seven cities – Padang, Pontianak, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Malang, Makassar and Ambon – engaging more than 1,750 participants and 50 esports communities.

Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar called for Indonesia to become a world‑wide creative collaboration space, encouraging international creators to work with local talent. She welcomed Korean singer‑songwriter Ilhoon, who filmed a music video at Mount Bromo and the historic district of Surabaya, highlighting the country’s cultural landscape as an attraction for foreign artists.

Both officials view these partnerships as a way to boost Indonesia’s creative‑industry competitiveness and expand its global cultural footprint.