WCCE 2018 | Global Center of Excellence for Creative Economy in Indonesia

Nusa Dua, InfoPublik - Indonesia initiated a global center of excellence for creative economy through the World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) 2018. Indonesia took the initiative with the consideration that creative economy plays a pivotal role in the development of global economy.

"Creative economy contributes significantly to global economy. In 2015, it generated US$ 2,250 billion or around 3% of the world's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The industry also employed 1% of the world's active population," said Head of the Indonesian Agency for Creative Economy (Bekraf), Triawan Munaf, at the opening of World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) 2018 in Nusa Dua, Bali, Wednesday (7/11).

Creative Economy is believed to continue to grow and become more inclusive with the support of technological advancements. In line with the development of the world, the national creative economy continues to grow with a contribution of more than 7.4% of Indonesia's GDP. Around 17 million people work in the creative economy sector or 14% of the total workforce which is dominated by women at 54%.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi emphasized that cooperation is important, especially in creative economy sector. Therefore, the theme "Inclusively Creative" is considered very appropriate because creative economy must not be exclusive and must open up opportunities for everyone.

"Indonesia's rich cultural heritage has enable us to develop our creative industries, such as fashion, culinary, arts and crafts, as well as entertainment. This has become an anchor for our economy, allowing it to remain strong in the face of economic crisis," she said.

According to Foreign Minister, 700 ethnicities spread from Sabang to Merauke were the main modalities in developing creative economy. Therefore, she was confident that Indonesia can become the country with largest creative economies in Southeast Asia.

"This first World Conference on Creative Economy is an effort to connect multi-dimensinal elements and stakeholders of creative economy," Triawan said.

The WCCE event began with Friends of Creative Economy (FCE) meeting to have the Penta-helix synergy between academics, business, communities, government, and media. Therefore, the WCCE is expected to be a catalyst in garnering global commitments to establish a Global Center of Excellence and International Cooperation for Creative economy in Indonesia so that it positively contributes to creating a better and more inclusive global economy.