Hundreds of creative industry enthusiasts from various countries gathered at the 2024 International Creative Industry Conference & Festival (IC Fest) held at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM) on Thursday (Sep. 26).
This event, initiated by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, is a platform for collaboration among national and international creative industry players.
IC Fest is held over three days, from Sept. 26 to Sep. 28, 2024, and features a series of performances, conferences, and masterclasses to enhance entrepreneurial skills and competencies.
Themeing “The Future of Creative Industries to Inspire, Innovate, and Integrate,” the event is intended to encourage international creative industry collaborations, which would boost the national economy.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno emphasized that Indonesia ranks third among the World’s Top Creative Economy Industries, following the United States and South Korea.
Uno also expressed optimism about Indonesia’s potential to surpass South Korean culture.
“We can eventually lead the creative industry. The future of this sector is in the hands of today’s youth. The hope is that they will elevate Indonesian culture to the next level,” he concluded.
The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Professor Ova Emilia, expressed her support for the creativity programs organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and GIK UGM.
“It is an honor for UGM to host IC Fest 2024 at GIK UGM. We believe that creativity is a catalyst for creating new, innovative businesses. The three pillars—people, culture, and collaboration—are key to advancing this field,” stated Professor Emilia.
Similarly, Steven Suryana, SEVP Wealth Management of PT Bank Negara Indonesia, mentioned that creative sectors such as entertainment, art, and music have the potential to become major contributors to the national economy, given Indonesia’s vast cultural heritage and traditions.
“With our rich cultural assets, Indonesian creativity continues to break boundaries. The creative industry can make a real contribution to the economy through art, music, and digital platforms. We believe this can position Indonesia as a globally influential country,” he explained.
IC Fest 2024 invites all creative industry enthusiasts, experts, and academics to discuss and collaborate to develop the creative economy sector.
In addition to the business development conference and masterclasses, IC Fest features a film festival, music performances, and a game corner exhibition showcasing works by young Indonesians. It is open to the public and will run until Sep. 28, 2024.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif
Photographer: Firsto