JAKARTA – The Indonesian Diaspora Network Global (IDN Global) has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Creative Economy to launch the 1,000 Creative Diaspora project during the Conference on Indonesian Foreign Policy (CIFP) 2025 at Kota Kasablanka, Jakarta. 

IDN Global president Nathalia Wijaya, who is based in Hong Kong, said the project aims to build the first comprehensive database of Indonesians working in creative fields overseas from design, film, music, architecture, and fashion to digital media and tech. 

The platform, called Diaspora Connect, will serve as a registry and digital hub for creatives to find each other, collaborate, and identify opportunities.

Speaking to Migrant Times after the signing, Widjaja said, “The goal is clear; we want to bridge connections. It’s not just about connecting fellow creative diaspora around the world, but also about providing opportunities for creative youth in Indonesia to build their capacity and connect with the global network.”

Indonesia has an estimated 8–9 million diaspora members, many of whom work in global creative industries. Nathalia said the mapping effort is only the first step. 

Once a sizable network is formed, IDN Global and Kemenparekraf plan to develop strategies to expand Indonesia’s creative footprint abroad and give young Indonesians more exposure to international markets.

The MoU was signed by Desi Ruhati, secretary of the ministry, and Widjaya, witnessed by Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya. The ceremony also included a token exchange and the handover of IDN Global’s book Diaspora Indonesia Bersinergi.

Harsya said the program fits with the government’s push to grow the creative economy and get more Indonesian ideas and products recognised abroad. He added that the sector is already playing a bigger role at home, pointing to rising exports and a steady increase in creative-industry jobs.

As of October, he said, creative workers reached 27.4 million, surpassing the government’s annual target.