CREATIVE INDUSTRY PLAY GREATER ROLE IN NATIONAL ECONOMY

The development of creative industry was believed to be one of the sustainers on national economic growth. The important role of the creative industry energized by young talents from graphic design to games creation would be greater in time to come. The growth potential of the creative industry must be jacked up. Contribution of the creative industry to GDP had come to 8%.

Today the creative industry had become the focus of attention of countries of the world because it was believe that the creative industry was able to contribute significantly to the nation’s economy. In Indonesia, the Creative Industry was categorized into 14 categories, i.e. (1) advertising (2) architecture (3) art market and antique goods (4) handicrafts (5) design (6) fashion (7) video, film and photography (8) interactive games (9) music (10) entertainment (11) publication and printing (12) computer service and software (13) TV and radio and (14) research and development.

The Director General of Small and Medium Industry (IKM), Ministry of Industry, Euis Saedah, states in Jakarta on Friday (7/12/2012) that the creative industry was a potential industry to be development considering the unlimited resources, i.e. human intelligence including technological resources like IT and communication.

In term of population, Indonesia is the fourth largest in the world. In an economic development process where human welfare was the main objective, human resources played a central role. The vast population was not only an asset for labor intensive projects, but also an opportunity for growing science-based and creative-based industries. The opportunity would bring more comparative advantage when supported by competent workforce, great talent and professional skills which should be constantly upgraded through continuous training.

The products made by Indonesia’s Small Industry (IKM) were of high innovative value and they were all the fruits of the Creative Industry. Therefore she believed that in the future the prospect of industry would be brighter with the emerging new middle class in Indonesia. Euis stated that the Government had injected incentives in the form of slashed prices for purchase of production machines. According the Euis the size of discount was up to 40% of buying price, so it would jack up production output of the Creative Economy.

Besides, the Government had conducted trainings, counseling and experts for the advancement of creative industry in Indonesia. She was expecting Indonesia’s creative economy growth could exceed the current attainment of 3% - 4%. However, she was not in position to mention the exact figure because Indonesia’s creative economy was still highly dependent on overseas raw material and technology.

Euis was aware of the challenges faced by Indonesia’s Creative Economy. Firstly, competition from the other countries which were advancing especially from ASEAN countries. Secondly, the need to induce willingness among the people to buy local products so economic skill would advance. Thirdly, Indonesia must produce own production machines in the spirit of local wisdom to tap local treasures like seaweed of forestry products although such would need high technology and enormous capital. Euis called out to all people to participate in the effort to develop Indonesia’s creative economy. “With people’s participation, I am sure Indonesia’s creative economy would play greater role in national economy development.” 

Business News - December 12, 2012