The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) facilitated the participation of 10 outstanding startups and 2 Indonesian music groups in the prestigious "South by Southwest (SXSW)" exhibition in Austin, Texas, USA, from March 8 to 16, 2024. Nia Niscaya, an expert from Kemenparekraf, highlighted that SXSW serves as a platform for startups and established companies to build networks and explore investment opportunities. This year, Kemenparekraf collaborated with the Jakarta Provincial Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Disparekraf) to send 10 local startups to SXSW, including BubbMe, Petskita, Carte, Kita Care, Magalarva, Orderfaz, Risaikel, RUN System, Tina, and Wifkain. These startups will showcase their innovations under the theme "Creation Ignites Action" in the Indonesian pavilion. In addition to startups, two Indonesian music groups, Reality Club and LAIR, were selected to participate in SXSW 2024. This initiative aims to showcase Indonesia's creative economy globally and encourage international collaborations.
Nova Arisne from Kemenparekraf emphasized that this facilitation aligns with the ministry's efforts to promote Indonesia's tourism and creative economy on a global scale. The presence of Indonesian delegates at SXSW is expected to contribute positively to Indonesia's image and attract international interest in its creative industries. Puji Hastuti, representing the Jakarta Provincial Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, expressed enthusiasm for supporting creative economy players to participate in SXSW. The creative economy sector plays a significant role in Jakarta's economic development, contributing 10.38% to the city's Regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022. Puji highlighted that DKI Jakarta has developed a comprehensive plan for the creative economy's growth from 2023 to 2030, with participation in international exhibitions like SXSW being a key strategy. The participation of Indonesian delegates at SXSW underscores Indonesia's commitment to promoting its creative economy and attracting international investments. Notably, SXSW Curator, Firstman Marpaung, and Head of Artist Management at Dominion Records, Adestya Renggo Ajie, were also present at the event to support the Indonesian delegates and showcase their talent on the global stage.
