Indonesia’s Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) are rich, diverse, and rapidly evolving. From the traditional weaving communities of North Sumatra to the bustling tech-and-art hubs of South Sulawesi, local visionaries are proving that ancestral heritage can seamlessly blend with modern commerce, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Central to this transformation is the British Council Hybrid Creative Economy Training programme, an initiative delivered under the ASEAN-UK Advancing the Creative Economy Programme. This cross border initiative brings together regional leaders to acquire actionable, data driven frameworks and spark grassroots change.
As part of our ongoing series highlighting the real-world impact of the 2026 British Council Hybrid Creative Economy Training programme cohort, let's explore how four inspiring change-makers from Indonesia are turning global training insights into localised community impact.
1. Weaving a Dual Approach for North Sumatra
Miranda Stefany Putri Sinaga (Provincial Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy Office of North Sumatra and Nanda Ulos)
Operating at the unique intersection of government policy and grassroots enterprise, Miranda Stefany Putri Sinaga wears two crucial hats in Medan. As a Tourism and Creative Economy Specialist for the provincial government and the founder of the creative micro-enterprise Nanda Ulos, she understands the creative ecosystem from both the top-down and the bottom-up.
Miranda channels this dual perspective into transforming traditional Batak weaving, specifically ulos and songket fabrics, into modern, ready-to-wear fashion. Concurrently, she designs targeted promotional strategies to elevate creative MSMEs throughout the Lake Toba region.
Empowered by the analytical and placemaking frameworks from the training program, Miranda is now working to bridge the gap between policy and practice. She plans to initiate a recurring government 'creative hub' designed to bring policymakers directly to the table with local artisans for genuine, grassroots collaboration.
"Hearing real-world case studies on how other regions successfully support their creative enterprise ecosystems gave me practical templates that I can immediately adapt for my own province." Miranda Stefany Putri Sinaga
2. Cultivating Sustainable Agri-Food Innovation in Yogyakarta
Arin Ike Kristanti (Rizqi Aulia Group)
In Yogyakarta, environmental responsibility meets design-driven entrepreneurship through the work of Arin Ike Kristanti. As the Founder and CEO of Rizqi Aulia Group, Arin is on a mission to completely reposition local agricultural commodities into contemporary goods tailored for the international market.
By blending product innovation with compelling cultural storytelling, Arin collaborates directly with local farmers to transform heritage ingredients like taro beneng, moringa, black pepper, and cocoa into premium goods. This partnership doesn't just create unique products; it actively strengthens sustainable, low-emission production systems.
The regional policy frameworks provided by the British Council training have catalysed a shift in Arin's strategic mindset. Her focus has evolved beyond standard business growth toward building a holistic, inclusive ecosystem that harmonises cultural value creation, low-emission practices, and cross-border ASEAN partnerships.
"The regional ASEAN-UK perspective broadened my thinking and showed how local initiatives can align with larger frameworks while maintaining cultural identity." Arin Ike Kristanti
3. Facilitating Digital Transformation in South Sulawesi
Ernie Irawati Zainal Abidin (Department of Culture and Tourism of South Sulawesi)
True ecosystem growth requires structure, data, and digital readiness. In Makassar, Ernie Irawati Zainal Abidin serves as a Cultural Advisor and Young Expert in the Creative Economy Sector, dedicating her time to formulating impactful policies and building capacity for local creative practitioners.
Ernie’s vital work spans across 17 distinct creative subsectors in South Sulawesi. She focuses heavily on driving digital transformation, utilizing data analysis to map out priority subsectors, and helping local MSMEs expand their access to international markets.
Drawing on the global insights shared during the program’s live expert discussions, Ernie is setting up cross-sector knowledge-sharing forums back home. She also plans to expand Intellectual Property (IP) facilitation, giving local creators the legal and strategic tools they need to protect their work and boost their market competitiveness.
"The programme broadened my perspective on how cultural and creative industry ecosystems can be strengthened through data-driven, collaborative, and inclusive policies." Ernie Irawati Zainal Abidin
4. Reimagining the Ancestral Lontara Script via Contemporary Fashion
As’ad Fadli (Ripuji Lontaratta)
Can fashion serve as a tool for historical preservation? For Makassar entrepreneur As’ad Fadli, the answer is a resounding yes. As the founder of Ripuji Lontaratta, As’ad uses contemporary streetwear and fashion as an educational medium to reconnect Gen Z and Millennials with their ancestral script, aksara Lontara.
By leaning into the timeless, geometric aesthetics of the traditional script, As’ad successfully subverts the perception that ancient heritage is outdated. Instead, he transforms it into a globally relevant fashion trend that instills deep cultural pride in the younger generation.
The training program has helped As'ad transition his mindset from a traditional fashion retailer into a true cultural catalyst. Moving forward, he plans to leverage his new network to build collaborative ecosystems with digital artists, elevating the historic Lontara script onto international creative stages.
"Meeting mentors and creative peers broadened my horizons, trained my adaptability, and strengthened my resilience in facing dynamic industry challenges." As’ad Fadli
The Big Picture: Unleashing Indonesian Potential
From digital transformation to ancestral preservation, these four change-makers embody the incredible breadth of Indonesia's creative sector. By utilising the practical templates, policy frameworks, and regional connections forged through the British Council Hybrid Creative Economy Training programme, they are building a more inclusive and resilient creative future.