The creative economy sector (Ekraf) in Indonesia is showcasing an impressive performance, serving as a powerful engine for job creation and a significant contributor to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the creative economy’s GDP contribution is projected to reach a remarkable IDR 1,500 trillion by the end of 2024.
This dynamic sector plays a truly vital role in generating employment opportunities across the archipelago. The Ministry of Creative Economy (Kemenekraf) reports that, in 2024 alone, the creative economy successfully absorbed an astounding 26.48 million workers. This figure represents a substantial 18.30% of the total national workforce, underscoring its immense impact on the labor market.
The upward trajectory in employment absorption is projected to continue with strong momentum. By 2025, the creative economy’s contribution to job creation is estimated to further climb to 27.40 million workers, or 18.70% of the total workforce. This consistent positive trend firmly establishes the creative economy as a crucial and reliable sector for Indonesia’s economic future.
Geographically, the absorption of the creative economy workforce is predominantly concentrated on Java Island. Three key provinces in Java — West Java, Central Java, and East Java — collectively account for the largest share, contributing a substantial 57.81% of the entire creative economy workforce. This highlights Java’s pivotal role in nurturing and sustaining this thriving sector.
Specifically, West Java stands out as the leading province, with its creative economy sector absorbing an impressive 6.24 million workers. This achievement positions West Java as the province with the highest contribution to the creative economy workforce nationally, cementing its status as a hub for creative talent and innovation.
Beyond its significant role in job creation, the robust performance of the creative economy sector is also clearly reflected in its solid export and investment figures recorded during the first half of 2025. These indicators further demonstrate the sector’s multifaceted contribution to national economic growth.
Exports of Creative Products soared to US$12.9 billion, equivalent to an impressive IDR 216.165 trillion. This marks the highest achievement in the last five years, unequivocally affirming the strong competitiveness of Indonesian creative products in the global market. Concurrently, investment realization in the sector remained strong, reaching IDR 90.12 trillion within the first six months of 2025, signaling continued confidence and growth.
Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, Head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), emphasized the strategic importance of this sector. She stated, “Indonesia’s continuously growing creative economy is capable of generating new job opportunities and serves as a highly significant economic driver.” Her remarks underscore the sector’s transformative potential.
The comprehensive data from BPS and Kemenekraf collectively highlight the profound importance of the creative economy as a strategic sector. It not only demonstrates a strong competitive edge but also plays an immense role in fostering inclusive economic growth through the creation of a massive number of employment opportunities across Indonesia.
Summary
Indonesia’s creative economy (Ekraf) is a significant engine for job creation and a major contributor to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), projected to reach IDR 1,500 trillion by the end of 2024. In 2024, the sector absorbed 26.48 million workers, representing 18.30% of the total national workforce, with a projected increase to 27.40 million workers by 2025. The majority of this workforce is concentrated on Java Island, particularly in West Java, which leads with 6.24 million workers.
Beyond employment, Ekraf also shows strong performance in exports and investments, further contributing to economic growth. In the first half of 2025, exports of creative products reached US$12.9 billion (IDR 216.165 trillion), marking a five-year high, and investment realization hit IDR 90.12 trillion. The Central Statistics Agency highlights the creative economy’s strategic importance in generating new job opportunities and driving overall economic development.
