Indonesia creative economy expansion and policy integration

Indonesia is actively expanding and formalizing its creative economy through both grassroots commercial events and high-level policy shifts. In early August 2026, the Jakarta Sneakers Day festival in Blok M showcased the sector's strength, featuring over 260 stalls primarily operated by local brands. Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya noted that the synergy between various subsectors creates “shared audiences, promotional efficiencies and export opportunities,” citing that the creative sector contributed approximately 7.38% to the national GDP in 2025.

By mid-August 2026, the scope of the creative economy expanded through official government designation. Following a Presidential Regulation signed in July 2026, blockchain technology—alongside AI, IoT/Web3, and cybersecurity—was integrated as an official subsector of the creative economy. This policy change was highlighted during Indonesia Blockchain Week 2026, which drew over 12,000 attendees. The shift aims to position Indonesia as a “builder of technology rather than just a market,” moving blockchain regulation beyond traditional finance into a strategic driver for digital innovation.