Jakarta: In an effort to make the creative economy the main source of exports, Indonesia is aiming its products at Saudi Arabian pilgrims.

In 2022, when its export value for the first time exceeded $25 billion, Indonesia's creative economy—driven by fashion, crafts, and culinary goods—contributed roughly 7.8% of the nation's GDP.

According to its Vision 2045 plan, the nation wants to make its primary exports the creative and digital industries and become a regional hub for these industries. The industry has been steadily expanding over time and has played a significant role in Indonesia's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

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Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia's Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, stated: "The creative economy has been the driving force behind economic revival and job creation."

Uno noted that pilgrims were a potential market for Indonesian creative economy products because millions of Muslims from all over the world travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj each year.

In November, Uno spoke with Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Arabian minister responsible for the Hajj and Umrah, about Indonesia's potential to "enter the ecosystem and provide many beneficial programmes to improve the quality and experience for pilgrims."

The minister pointed out that Indonesian tourists could aid in promoting their products and small- and medium-sized businesses.

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He added that there was a significant "growth opportunity for the two countries" as they could rely on a high purchasing power and strong consumer demand in the Middle East generally. "The pilgrims could also be good promotional ambassadors when they wear Indonesian products," he said.

The largest Muslim-majority country in the world, Indonesia, is expected to send 3 million Umrah pilgrims and another 229,000 Hajj pilgrims to the Kingdom this year.

This is a good way to advertise Indonesian SME goods that might establish a base in Saudi Arabia and bring about economic benefits, according to Uno.

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The ability to draw customers exists for all significant products and services, including handicrafts, textiles, furniture, food and beverages, and innovative goods