Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id – The Mayor of Malang attended The 5th World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) 2026 in Jakarta on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The presence of the Malang City Government (Pemkot) in this international forum aims to expand global collaboration networks, while strengthening the regional creative economy ecosystem.
Malang Mayor Dr. Ir. Wahyu Hidayat MM emphasized that this world-level achievement originated from the commitment of the regional government. In providing a platform and facilities for the younger generation, as well as creative economy actors.
“Our preparation is carried out by maximizing the existing potential. One of them, through the development of the Malang Creative Center (MCC) as a platform accommodating 17 creative economy subsectors,” said Wahyu.
The involvement of Malang City in this event came after officially entering the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of Media Arts in November 2025. Malang City became the first city in Southeast Asia to achieve that title.
Wahyu explained that the ecosystem formed at the MCC has succeeded in strengthening the game, animation, up to digital storytelling industries. The development of Media Arts in Malang City is now expanding widely, covering audiovisual production, startups, and film, which synergize with the craft, fashion, and culture subsectors.
The creative economy sector, continued Wahyu, has proven resilient in supporting the regional economy. Especially in driving MSMEs and youth during the post-pandemic recovery period.
“The creative economy in Malang City has remained resilient and provided a large contribution to regional economic growth. I am optimistic this sector will continue to grow sustainably,” he said.
Wahyu added that recognition as a UNESCO Creative City is not merely a symbolic title. Rather, it must provide real economic impact down to the lower layers of society.
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“We want to prove that economic growth from this creative sector can be felt directly by the community. Especially in encouraging the equalization of welfare,” Wahyu stressed.
The competitiveness of Malang City’s creative economy is also supported by the abundance of young talent from various educational institutions. A number of vocational school alumni in Malang have even penetrated the national and global animation industry. Such as Wahyu Denis Kurniawan (production team of the animated film Jumbo) as well as Tatik Setyowati (animated series Kiko and Vampirina).
As information, WCCE 2026 carries the theme “Inclusively Creative: Collective Continuity.” This conference is organized by the Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia to encourage the creative economy as a driver of inclusive development. (ws15/rhd)
