Jakarta. Indonesia recently revealed that the country boasts a $90 billion creative economy, as Jakarta called on Pacific Rim nations to place more focus on this human-driven sector amidst the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

President Prabowo Subianto landed in Busan on Thursday night local time to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit -- which is set to see members putting their thinking caps on in addressing AI. Earlier that day, Foreign Minister Sugiono joined the ministerial-level talks where he pushed for APEC to take the lead in human-centered innovation, where “technology empowers people, not replaces them”.

He said the creative economy -- which would include films, music, and fashion -- holds to boost growth that leaves no one behind. For Indonesia, this is a sector that builds a “resilient, human-centered economy rooted in culture, technology, and talent.”

“The economic power of the creative industries is undeniable. In Indonesia, the sector contributes an estimated $90 billion to our economy and creates 26.5 million jobs,” Sugiono told the conference.

“Given this demonstrated potential, focusing on the creative economy within APEC’s cooperation is a strategic imperative for sustainable and inclusive growth across our region,” he added.

He closed his remarks by saying that humans must remain in the driver’s seat, “steering the course of technological progress toward shared prosperity, sustainability, and dignity for all.”

APEC is home to over 36 percent of the global population. The bloc, which includes the rivaling US and China, makes up approximately 60 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP). The region is also at the forefront in terms of patents as well as research and development (R&D), according to Sugiono. 

The group unites Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.

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