Alif Ilham Fajriadi, Jakarta – Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya voices concerns about the recent surge in layoffs in the creative industry and agencies. According to him, artificial intelligence (AI) use – to some extent – is one of the contributing factors to this phenomenon.
On the other hand, Riefky does not deny the role of AI technology in assisting creative workers in doing their tasks. Thus, he believes this technology is unstoppable and must be utilized to achieve common goals. "How this technology collaborates with creative industry actors to give them added value," said Riefky in a Working Meeting with Commission VII of the DPR, Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Besides the matter of AI use, the minister also underscores that most creative workers are freelancers, which harms their chances to receive social security on the job. Riefky claims to have worked with creative economy offices across several regions in Indonesia to provide social security for these workers.
During his presentation at the House meeting, Riefky explains that the Ministry of Creative Economy has a new directorate that will handle digital technology matters. He hopes that the new position can meet the demands of the digital market, especially in maintaining a creative job market in the country.
Member of Commission VII of the DPR, Nila Yani Hardianti, says that layoffs among creative agency companies have been rampant throughout this year. "My friend who works in an agency company said that nearly 60 percent of the employees in her company were laid off in 2025. They were replaced by AI," said Nila.
She urges the Ministry of Creative Economy to pay more attention to creative workers because of their vulnerable position against AI technology. "This is a serious threat to the future of young labor. The ministry must take a strategic role in facilitating and equipping the younger generation with competitive skills," said Nila.