Indonesia’s creative economy investment continued its strong upward trajectory in 2025, as the sector recorded USD 8.4 billion in realized investment by the third quarter. The figure represents 97 percent of the full-year target and confirms the creative economy’s growing role in Indonesia’s national development strategy. Beyond headline numbers, the data highlights rising foreign confidence, robust export growth, expanding job creation, and a steadily increasing contribution to economic growth.
Indonesia Creative Economy Investment Nears Annual Target
By the third quarter of 2025, the creative economy sector had secured USD 8.4 billion in realized investment, placing it just shy of its full-year target. This achievement contributed around 9 percent to total national investment realization, underscoring the sector’s expanding economic weight. Importantly, the Ministry of Creative Economy confirmed that the recorded figure reflects actual capital inflows entering Indonesia. It does not include cooperation pledges or memorandums of understanding.
As a result, the data offers a clearer picture of real investor activity. It also signals that the creative economy now stands alongside more traditional sectors as a reliable destination for capital. By maintaining steady growth throughout the year, the sector strengthened its position as a long-term pillar of Indonesia’s investment landscape.
Ekraf Investment Growth Reflects Rising Foreign Confidence
Ekraf investment growth gained momentum as foreign private investors increased their participation in Indonesia’s creative industries. During the Ekraf Annual Report 2025 event in Jakarta, Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya emphasized the significance of this trend.
“This shows that international parties, particularly foreign private investors, are increasingly interested in and confident in Indonesia’s creative economy sector as their business partner,” he said.
This growing confidence reflects stronger institutional support, clearer regulations, and the sector’s ability to deliver measurable returns. Consequently, foreign investors now view Indonesia’s creative economy not only as a cultural asset but also as a scalable business opportunity with regional and global reach.
Creative Economy Exports Reach Five-Year High
Creative economy exports Indonesia also delivered strong results in 2025. By the third quarter, export values reached USD 26.68 billion, equivalent to approximately one-fifth of Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports. This performance already met the full-year export target and marked the highest level recorded in the past five years.
The ministry attributed this growth to improved global demand and stronger international market access for Indonesian creative products. Moreover, official data released by Statistics Indonesia confirmed that exports exceeded expectations.
“In October 2025, based on data directly submitted by BPS last week, creative economy exports reached 101 percent of the target, accounting for around 19.96 percent of total non-oil and gas exports. This is the highest level in five years,” Teuku said.
Job Creation Strengthens Youth Employment
Creative economy employment expanded in parallel with investment and export growth. By the third quarter of 2025, the sector employed 27.4 million workers, surpassing the annual target of 25.5 million. This achievement represents 107 percent of the employment goal set for the year.
Notably, most workers in the creative economy are under the age of 40. This demographic trend highlights the sector’s role in absorbing young talent and supporting inclusive economic participation. Through creative industries, Indonesia continues to open new employment pathways for its younger workforce while fostering innovation-driven growth.
GDP Contribution Signals Long-Term Growth Potential
Beyond short-term gains, the creative economy’s contribution to national output continues to strengthen. While official 2025 data will be released in early 2027, earlier figures already show encouraging progress. Based on data announced by Statistics Indonesia in early 2025, the sector contributed 6.5 percent to economic growth in 2024. This figure exceeded the original target of 5.54 percent.
The ministry expects this positive trend to continue as investment, exports, and employment expand in tandem. Over time, the creative economy is likely to play a larger role in shaping Indonesia’s overall growth trajectory.
Creative Economy Investment 2025 Shows Strong Momentum
Creative economy investment 2025 demonstrates how the sector has matured into a strategic economic driver. With USD 8.4 billion in realized investment, record-high exports, rising youth employment, and a growing GDP contribution, the creative economy shows clear signs of sustainable momentum. As Indonesia approaches the end of the year, the sector stands well-positioned to meet its targets and reinforce its role in long-term national development.
Source: rm.id, finance.detik.com
Image: KHAIRIZAL ANWAR/RM
