Jakarta, January 30, 2026 – The Europe Today: Indonesia’s Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya hosted Australia’s Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, in Jakarta on Wednesday, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to deepening collaboration in the creative industries.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Creative Economy office, focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across creative sub-sectors and reinforcing the strategic partnership between Indonesia and Australia.
“Indonesia and Australia have seen their creative economy cooperation grow over the years. We hope 2026 will mark a crucial phase for broadening collaboration and strengthening our bilateral strategic partnership,” Harsya said.
The minister highlighted joint projects from 2025, including the 10th anniversary of the Australia-Indonesia Cinema Festival (FSAI), spice-focused business matching in Sydney, and a partnership with Australian software company Canva to empower Indonesian creative actors. He emphasized that such collaboration aligns with Indonesia’s vision of the creative economy as a key growth driver fueled by innovation.
“Our aim is to help Indonesian creative economy actors connect with global markets and talents, elevate their capabilities, and play a more active role in the international value chain,” Harsya added.
Strategic agendas discussed included preparations for the Australia Awards Indonesia short course program in animation, the organization of the 11th FSAI, and Australia’s participation in the World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) 2026 in Jakarta. Harsya personally invited Burke to attend the fifth edition of the conference.
Minister Burke welcomed the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the creative economy, noting it would further enhance relations between the two nations. During his visit, he also met Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political, Security, and Legal Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, following a reception by Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the previous day.
