Creative Economy Investment Surges to Rp 90.12 Trillion in 1st Half of 2025
Key Takeaways
|
JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Investment in Indonesia’s creative economy has surged in the first half of 2025, reaching Rp 90.12 trillion, equal to about $5.7 billion, according to Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya. The figure exceeds last year’s achievement of Rp 64.22 trillion and highlights the sector’s growing role as a driver of national growth.
Teuku Riefky said on Thursday, Sept 4, 2025, during a working meeting between the Ministry of Creative Economy (Kemenekraf) and Commission VII of the House of Representatives, that medium-term targets are projected to reach Rp 152.3 trillion to Rp 183.7 trillion by 2029, reflecting investor confidence in the ecosystem.
Data from the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), compiled by Kemenekraf, showed Singapore as the largest foreign investor in the first half of 2025 with Rp 18.65 trillion. Domestically, Jakarta remained the top destination, rising sharply from Rp 18.14 trillion in 2024 to Rp 25.97 trillion in 2025.
Beyond investment, export performance also strengthened. Customs data processed by Kemenekraf indicated creative economy exports worth US$ 25.1 billion in 2024, with first-half 2025 already hitting US$ 13 billion. Exports are expected to climb steadily to US$ 33 billion by 2029. Fashion dominated shipments with US$ 7.09 billion in the first half of 2025, followed by handicrafts at US$ 5.01 billion and culinary products at US$ 767 million. Markets became more diversified with stronger sales to Switzerland, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, ranging from 5.7% to 19.14% growth.
Employment also expanded. The creative economy engaged 26.5 million workers in 2024, with projections of 27.7 million by 2029. This aligns with four strategic indicators in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025–2029: GDP contribution, export growth, job creation, and investment expansion.
During the meeting, Teuku Riefky underscored the need for fiscal support to maintain momentum. “We hope our proposed programs will receive adequate technical and fiscal consideration, to ensure continuity of priority creative economy programs. Public services and creative programs must run optimally so this sector truly becomes a new engine of national growth starting from the regions,” he said.
The ministry proposed an additional Rp 2.24 trillion to strengthen programs such as Creative Village Empowerment, handicraft and culinary industries for small businesses, local events and festivals, and inclusive social initiatives.
Commission VII chair Rahayu Saraswati Djojohadikusumo endorsed the budget request, stressing that funds should support substantive programs with direct impact on welfare. “We want allocations to genuinely strengthen the creative economy, driving growth while improving people’s prosperity,” she said.
The positive trajectory of investment, exports, and employment underscores the rising global recognition of Indonesia’s creative economy. With sufficient fiscal support, the sector is expected to solidify its role as a new engine of national growth.
Promo!
Analyze Indonesia’s fast-growing sectors with InvestingPro — get an exclusive discount for Investortrust readers. Click here to access the offer.