Indonesia Commits Itself to Helping Develop Global Creative Economy
Nusa Dua. Indonesia has expressed its commitment to help develop the global creative economy through strong multi-stakeholder cooperation.
In his opening speech at the inaugural World Conference on Creative Economy in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Wednesday, Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) chief Triawan Munaf expressed hope that the conference would serve as a catalyst to inspire commitments that would contribute to a better and more inclusive global economy.
Triawan touched on the role of the youth in fueling creative energy, channeling this spirit by inviting participants to let loose and roll up their sleeves, as the band began playing a rendition of pop group Queen's hit song, "We Will Rock You," marking the start of the conference.
"Our youth are the main source of creative energy that continues to ignite disruptive powers to make the world a better place… We should work together to achieve new breakthroughs that will rock the world," Triawan said.
In her speech, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the conference was a platform for sharing ideas to improve collaboration and nurture development of the global creative economy, which would support the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
"Prosperity for all applies in our efforts to develop the creative economy; the principle of 'no one left behind' must be adopted… The creative economy must not be exclusive to those with great means; it must open opportunities for everyone," the minister said.
The conference aims to connect various elements and stakeholders in the industry to achieve what Retno refers to as a "pentahelix synergy," comprising academics, business, community, government and the media.
"Therefore, our task is to strengthen partnerships for innovation, so the creative economy must also empower and let the people prosper," Retno said.
Game Changers
Indonesia believes its creative industry is on a promising path, as it contributed more than Rp 922 trillion ($61 billion), or about 7.4 percent of gross domestic product, in 2016.Triawan said globalization and advanced technology have made creative industries game changers.
Indonesia has thus positioned itself to be a leader in the global creative economy, he added.
"Other countries have asked us about the possibility of them hosting the next WCCE, but we must be selective, because now the WCCE brand belongs to us," Triawan said, adding that the United Arab Emirates and Colombia have come forward with such requests.
The next conference is set for 2020, with the host country due to be announced on Thursday.
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