The Jakarta Creative Economy Directory Update was developed to address two urgent needs. First, the need for updated data on creative economy actors to facilitate communication among stakeholders and provide a stronger platform for promoting Jakarta’s creative products. Second, the need for a clearer distinction of the creative economy’s scope to ensure that public policies remain relevant to the sector’s challenges.
As a strategic partner of the Jakarta Department of Tourism and Creative Economy (Disparekraf DKI), Komite Ekraf Jakarta (KE JKT) led the update of this database, making it accessible not only to government institutions but also to the public. The aim is to support stakeholders in collaborating, communicating, and promoting Jakarta’s creative industries more effectively.
Research & Methodology
To strengthen the directory, KE JKT also mapped the scope of the creative economy, sectoral challenges, aspirations, and policy recommendations. This process combined surveys (convenience sampling), focus group discussions with 12 industry associations, and a comprehensive desk study.
Key Findings
- Defining Creative Economy Actors
Creative economy actors are those who (1) possess a brand identity and (2) have the potential to secure Intellectual Property (IP) rights. The distinguishing feature lies in their creative distinctiveness — an asset that can generate added value, regardless of whether the IP is formally registered. - High Informality Levels
The sector remains largely dominated by informal businesses, especially in culinary, fashion, and crafts. Registration of IP rights remains low, limiting opportunities to leverage creativity as an economic asset. - Untapped Sustainability Potential
Many creative businesses integrate sustainable practices, but these are rarely communicated effectively to customers, leaving a key competitive advantage underutilized. - Challenges & Aspirations
Entrepreneurs face barriers such as complex regulations, limited financing access, and shortages in infrastructure and skilled labor. Their aspirations focus on practical support: training in marketing and branding, innovative financing programs, stronger managerial capacity-building, and consistent IP law enforcement.
Public Launch
The updated e-directory was officially introduced on Friday, 22 August 2025, at Bali Timbungan Sarinah. The launch gathered over 60 participants from Jakarta’s creative industry associations, creative entrepreneurs, government bodies, KE JKT team members, and experts from PEBS UI, the program’s research partner.
