Sarawak, Indonesia strengthen creative industry ties to boost heritage, innovation, global reach

Snowdan (centre) leading a Sarawak delegation during a meeting with Indonesia’s Ministry of Creative Economy in Jakarta on Feb 5, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 5: Sarawak and Indonesia are exploring stronger ties to boost their creative industries globally while keeping cultural heritage, community livelihoods, and innovation at the heart of development.

According to a media statement, the strategic dialogue took place today during Sarawak’s participation in the Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair.

Led by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, the Sarawak delegation engaged with Indonesia’s Ministry of Creative Economy on advancing craft industry growth, creative entrepreneurship, and market expansion.

Central to the dialogue was the concept of a creative industry ecosystem, recognising that sustainable growth depends on coordinated roles among government, industry, communities, academia, media, and financial institutions.

Indonesia shared insights on its community-based Hexahelix approach, while Sarawak highlighted its current model, which integrates government agencies, communities, academia, and media, placing heritage and community empowerment at its core.

The meeting provided a platform for both sides to exchange policies and strategies supporting artisans, creative MSMEs, and community-based enterprises, particularly in enhancing productivity, digital readiness, and access to international markets.

Snowdan emphasised Sarawak’s commitment to positioning heritage-based creative industries as drivers of inclusive economic growth and sustainable tourism, while noting the potential for collaboration with Indonesia in knowledge exchange on institutional coordination, creative financing mechanisms, and global market strategies.

The engagement is expected to open avenues for trade fairs, exhibitions, and business matching initiatives, expanding market access for Sarawak and Indonesian creative products.

Both parties reiterated their shared goal of promoting sustainable, heritage-based creative industries that empower local communities, including women and rural artisans. — DayakDaily