The 2009 Jakarta Fair is about innovative ways to spark the economy to fight the global financial downturn. It kicked-off with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono sounding a loud siren. 

Along with the economic focus, the fair is part of Indonesia's birthday celebration.

The 32-day event is full of attractions, with entrepreneurs accounting for more than half of the booths.

On display are creative products with unique marketing concepts behind them.

These out-of-the-ordinary products have given a boost to the Indonesian economy.

[Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Indonesian President]:
“Our nation is a creative nation, let’s keep innovating. The future economy for Indonesia is not only based on farming, industry and services, but also on creative economy – economy based on culture and tourism. The development of these sectors are positive. Recently, when the world economy is growing weaker, our tourism sector and our creative economy sector are growing well. Let’s continue all of our efforts.”

Author John Howkins first introduced the creative economy concept in his book "Creative Economy, How People Make Money from Ideas."

The creative economy sector became a government issue in 2006 and is strongly supported by Indonesian Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu.

NTD, Jakarta, Indonesia.