If you’re an expat living in Indonesia and wondering what’s brewing in the local business scene beyond nasi goreng and batik clothes, here’s a hot update for you: Indonesia just launched a brand-new initiative to boost its creative economy, and it’s not just another government program with a catchy name. This one actually comes with funding.
Meet JEKI, short for Jaringan Ekonomi Kreatif Indonesia, or the Indonesian Creative Economy Network. Launched in Jakarta on May 25, 2025, JEKI aims to support local creatives and small businesses across the country. Whether you’re a mural artist in Bali, a film producer in Yogyakarta, or a sustainable fashion brand in Bandung, JEKI wants to help you grow, with cash and connections.
What Is JEKI, Really?
At its core, JEKI is a collaborative platform that links up entrepreneurs, creators, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and basically anyone contributing to Indonesia’s growing creative scene. The mission is to help local businesses move beyond just surviving and start thriving, and not just within Indonesia, but globally.
Think of it as a mix between a creative accelerator and a community support system. It’s about providing the tools, training, and funding needed to turn good ideas into great businesses.
A New Creative Business Boost for Small Businesses
One of the juiciest parts of this initiative is JEKI Berbagi Modal, literally translated as JEKI Sharing Capital. This program offers actual financial assistance to selected creative businesses. Yes, there’s real money on the table.
To get in on this, business owners need to submit a proposal to [email protected] or follow the updates on Instagram at @jekikreatif. Applications are open until the end of July 2025, and the winners, ten in total, will be announced on August 17, right in time for Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day. a perfect gift for the nation, if you ask us.
And no, you don’t need to be a giant in the industry. The focus is on small creative businesses with big dreams and even bigger potential.
What This Creative Business Boost Really Offers
JEKI isn’t just throwing cash at people and hoping for the best. The program also includes mentorship, training sessions, and a strong push toward digital transformation, because even the most traditional art form needs a little SEO these days.
They’re also promoting something they call “local wisdom,” a reminder that Indonesia’s strength lies in its culture, stories, and creativity, not just its low-cost production. It’s all about helping creative entrepreneurs balance authenticity with innovation.
Why Should Expats Care?
If you’re living in Indonesia and involved in any sort of creative industry, from culinary ventures to indie music, this is a great opportunity to connect with the local scene. It’s also a way to give back or get involved in programs that are making a real impact.
Plus, if you’re mentoring or partnering with local talent, knowing about programs like JEKI means you can point people in the right direction or maybe even collaborate on a proposal.
A Toast to the Future
At the launch event in Jakarta, experts shared their takes on the future of Indonesia’s creative economy. The event, themed “Creative Economy: From Analog to Digital,” featured speakers like Fina Thorpe-Willett, an Australian digital strategist. They emphasized how creative businesses must adapt to a world that’s increasingly becoming online, because while handmade is beautiful, a strong internet connection doesn’t hurt.
JEKI is a promising sign that Indonesia is getting serious about empowering its creative sector, not just with words, but with actual support. So if you’ve ever wanted to be part of the next big wave in Indonesia’s cultural economy, now might be a good time to dive in. or at least follow them on Instagram. That’s a start.
Sources: Neraca, MSN. Featured Image
