West Sumatra creative economy development

Efforts to bolster the creative economy in West Sumatra have transitioned from disaster recovery support to broader cultural and community-based development.

Initially, the Indonesian Ministry of Creative Economy launched the ‘Ekraf Peduli’ program to assist MSMEs in Bukittinggi and Payakumbuh following recent disasters. This initiative focused on improving product packaging for culinary, craft, and fashion sectors to enhance competitiveness and global market reach. In Payakumbuh, specific attention was given to the weaving and embroidery sectors to increase the value of cultural heritage products.

Subsequently, the West Sumatra Provincial Government expanded these efforts by promoting the Nagari Creative Hub (NCH) in Agam Regency. The NCH is intended to serve as a productive space for youth to engage in traditional arts, culinary arts, and crafts. Complementing this, the West Sumatra Culture Office organized the ‘Rauik Rang Mudo’ art exhibition in Padang, showcasing fine arts and crafts created by students to integrate practical creative experience with cultural preservation.