Surabaya, E Java, July 30 -- The creative economy has emerged as a key driver of Indonesia's economic growth, creating quality jobs while boosting the competitiveness of local products, according to Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya.

"If culture is the foundation, then applying innovation, technology, and creativity to its outputs gives birth to the creative economy," he said at the 2026 East Java Media Summit in Surabaya on Thursday.

According to him, East Java holds immense potential to develop its creative economy, backed by rich cultural heritage, skilled human resources, and a steadily growing creative ecosystem.

Harsya noted that the direction of creative economy development aligns with the national vision, which emph...