Widyatama University held a National Seminar on Indonesia’s Creative Strategy in facing the ASEAN Economic Community 2015, on Thursday, March 19, at the Multipurpose Building of Widyatama University Campus. This National Seminar was part of a series of events celebrating the 13th anniversary of the university and the 42nd anniversary of the Widyatama University Foundation.
The event, initiated by the Faculty of Visual Communication Design, featured keynote speaker Drs. Harry Waluyo, M.Hum, Director General of Media, Design, and Science and Technology-based Creative Economy at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (2011-2014). In addition, the seminar featured speakers such as the Rector of ITB (2015-2020) who is also the former Vice Rector of Widyatama University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Kadarsyah Suryadi, DEA; the Mayor of Bandung, represented by an official related to the Creative Economy Sector, and the Chair of the Creative Economy Committee – KADIN West Java, H. Januar P. Ruswita, S.Sos, MM.
Reform and Synergy Needed
Harry explained that, based on data from the Global Innovation Index (GII), Indonesia currently ranks 87th, while education ranks 30th and knowledge creation ranks 38th (in Southeast Asia). These figures are still insufficient if the nation wants to make the creative industry the driving force of the economy. Therefore, various improvements are needed to increase competitiveness. Kadarsah concluded, based on various meetings some time ago, that the Creative Industry cannot stand alone. The Creative Industry must be supported by other sectors, such as Technology and Science. This is necessary in order to provide higher added value. Furthermore, Kadarsah revealed that Indonesia’s economy continues to grow rapidly with high middle-income growth.
However, this condition will backfire if the country does not do more and instead gets stuck in the middle-income trap. This is because the industries that are currently developing rely on domestic consumption and are not innovation-based.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chair of the West Java Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Information and Data, Januar P Ruswita, said that apart from contributing to the economy, the creative industry also provides ample space for people with disabilities. There are around 11.6 million people with disabilities in Indonesia. Therefore, the development of the creative industry will certainly provide ample space for people with disabilities. Januar emphasized, “Indonesia is rich in sources of inspiration, and its young people are very creative and often have unique imaginations.”
Like Coming Home
At the beginning of his presentation, ITB Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Kadarsyah Suryadi, DEA expressed his emotion and joy at being invited as a speaker at a seminar at Widyatama University. He felt very honored, so he deliberately cleared his schedule on that day especially for Widyatama University. He also explained his position at Widyatama University, “this house is
