Creative Economy Must Provide Equal Space for All

Lumajang – The development of the creative economy in Lumajang Regency is being directed toward a more inclusive and equitable approach.

Chairwoman of the Regional National Craft Council (Dekranasda) of Lumajang Regency, Dewi Natalia Yudha Adji Kusuma, emphasized that the creative economy must provide equal opportunities for all business actors, including persons with disabilities.

She made the statement while attending the Batik Embroidery and Accessories Fair 2026 held by East Java Dekranasda at the Exhibition Hall of Grand City, Surabaya, East Java Province, on Wednesday (6/5/2026).

“The creative economy must be inclusive. Works by persons with disabilities have high creativity and perseverance. We must encourage this so they have the same space in the market,” said Dewi Natalia.

According to her, the involvement of persons with disabilities in the creative economy ecosystem is not merely complementary, but an important part of building a fair and sustainable economic system.

Therefore, real support is needed through access to training, mentoring, and expanded market access for disabled entrepreneurs.

“What we need to ensure is access. When access to markets, coaching, and promotion is opened, disabled business actors will be able to grow and compete independently,” she said.

She views exhibitions like the Batik Embroidery and Accessories Fair not only as spaces for product promotion, but also as references for understanding the direction of future creative economy development.

She believes the principle of inclusivity must become an important part of strengthening the creative economy ecosystem at the regional level.

This approach is seen as reflecting a paradigm shift in creative economy development — from merely encouraging production to strengthening an ecosystem that provides equal opportunities for all business actors.

Through this commitment, Dekranasda Lumajang hopes that more works by persons with disabilities will be able to penetrate broader markets, allowing the creative economy to grow evenly and sustainably.