Jakarta. Indonesia’s creative economy sector has absorbed 26.5 million workers, most of them young people and women, and contributed significantly to the country’s exports over the past year, Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya said on Thursday.

Speaking at a Metro TV talk show marking the first anniversary of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, Teuku said the creative economy had become a major driver of export performance.

“The export value of Indonesia’s creative economy reached around $25 billion, or about Rp 400 trillion, by the end of 2024 -- contributing more than 9 percent to total national exports,” he said.

Teuku described the sector as a key engine for sustainable export growth, adding that the government aims to raise the figure to $26 billion in 2025.

According to the minister, the sector has already attracted Rp 90 trillion ($5.4 billion) in investment as of mid-2025, reaching 66 percent of this year’s annual target. The investments span a range of creative industries, including digital applications, fashion, culinary arts, crafts, gaming, music, and animation.

“Next year, we aim to boost creative economy exports to $28 billion, or around Rp 450 trillion,” Teuku said. “This sector strengthens Indonesia’s middle class and creates inclusive job opportunities that are adaptive to technology and global trends. Collaboration among the government, industry players, financial institutions, and creative communities is essential for Indonesian products to thrive internationally.”

At the same event, Deputy Industry Minister Faisol Riza highlighted the manufacturing sector’s dominant role in Indonesia’s export base, contributing over 70 percent of total exports. He said textiles and electronics were among the fastest-growing industries in the past year.

“The most dynamic and labor-intensive sector this year has been textiles, followed by electronics, which is showing strong momentum,” Faisol said. “Investment in textiles remains particularly high, and we’ve seen many foreign investors relocating to this sector.”