The government plans to provide a framework for the protection of copyrights and financial assistance to help encourage creative businesses, a minister Wednesday said.
Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said the framework would form part of industry's development blueprints.
"With the protection of copyrights and provision of financial assistance for small and medium businesses, we expect to be able to nurture the industry," she said, without elaborating.
The included creative industries comprise some 14 areas; music and musical instruments, advertising, architecture, handicrafts and art festivals, antiques, design, fashion, film, video and photography, interactive games, performing arts, printing and publishing, computer services and software and radio and television.
A lack of effort by the government in developing the industry and protecting copyrights has discouraged many companies from engaging in the sector.
Analysts have regularly said Indonesia's creative industry is lagging far behind other developing countries in Asia, with China estimated to be 18 years ahead in the sector.