The Indonesian government is working to strengthen the country's creative sector by building strong foundations for the big players in the market. With its large population and impressive economic growth, Indonesia is on its way to becoming one of the powerhouses for the digital economy in Asia. CGTN's Silkina Ahluwalia reports from Jakarta.

 

Ritika has been a part of Indonesia's growing creative industry for more than a year.Her company specializes in tech, one of the leading up and coming sectors in the country. As a developing nation, Indonesia has the potential to become the biggest digital economy in Southeast Asia. Creative industries already account for more than 7 percent of the country's total economic growth.

 

RITIKA BHAGYA FOUNDER OF FLOLAB One thing the government could do to help the creative industry and really push the creative industry is by helping off line channels to go online and more of digitization is required. The second thing is education, whether it's the government or the private sector.

 

Creative enterprises like Ritika's are constantly flooding the market and giving Indonesia a much-needed boost on the global stage. That's helping President Joko Widodo's vision to make Indonesia the digital energy of Asia a reality.

 

BHIMA YUDHISTIRA ECONOMIST The milestone is in 2016, we have the economic package which includes the revision of our negative list. Since then foreign investors can own 51 percent of shares or ownership in movie theatre business and tourism industry also. This will attract more foreign investors especially in Asia and some US and Europe investor will also join to increase the growth of creative industry.

 

Bhima says the creative economy has already absorbed nearly 16 million jobs across the country helping to reduce the unemployment rate. With foreign investors coming in, the sector is further expanding creating an impressive business climate.

 

The Indonesian government is working to diversify the country's economy, shifting their focus from export-based sectors to strengthening creative industries. Over the past five years, the creative economic sector has grown more than 60 percent, a positive sign that the government is utilizing the talent and skills the country has to offer. Silkina Ahluwalia, CGTN, Jakarta.