Nuanu Creative City Hosts Commission VII DPR RI on MSME Financing, Commits to Support Tabanan Businesses in Accessing Creative Economy Funding

Tabanan, Bali — 28 August 2026: Nuanu Creative City welcomed Commission VII of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) during a working visit focused on access to financing and capital for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and Indonesia’s creative economy.

Led by Rahayu Saraswati D. Djojohadikusumo, Deputy Chair of Commission VII DPR RI, the visit brought together representatives from government, financial institutions, the creative economy and local businesses. The discussion explored the challenges MSMEs face in securing working capital and financing for growth, as well as the role that creative ecosystems can play in expanding access to markets and economic opportunities.

During the visit, Rahayu Saraswati praised Nuanu’s approach to responsible development and environmental stewardship across its 44-hectare site.

“What impressed me about Nuanu is the way it approaches development across such a vast 44-hectare area. Only around 30 percent of the land will be developed, while the rest is preserved as green and open space,” said Rahayu Saraswati. “It is encouraging to see a development that is not only thinking about growth, but also about how to protect its natural environment and manage its impact, including through its approach to waste management.”

A model for the creative economy

Rahayu Saraswati also highlighted Nuanu’s potential as a model for creative economy development, particularly through its infrastructure and engagement with Indonesian and Balinese businesses and communities.

“Nuanu can serve as a model for the development of the creative economy, particularly in demonstrating how infrastructure can support and strengthen a local creative ecosystem,” she said. “What is particularly encouraging is Nuanu’s commitment to involving local MSMEs, with around 80 percent of its ecosystem involving MSME participation, while approximately 97 percent of its overall engagement involves Indonesian and Balinese businesses and communities.”

Nuanu currently works with 668 MSMEs across Bali. More than 370 are individual sole proprietors, including craftspeople, warung owners, drivers, laundry operators and gardeners. Between 2023 and 2025, Nuanu’s involvement of small businesses increased fourteenfold.

“We are grateful to host this conversation and to learn from it. Understanding the government’s strategy more closely, while sharing what we have learned through building Nuanu, is both a privilege and invaluable as we plan for the long term. Nuanu is in the value-creation business, but that value must flow in three directions at once: to our investors, to our neighbours and to the land itself. As Nuanu develops, the platform for local entrepreneurs, artists and small businesses grows with it. We often describe Nuanu as a playground—and we believe the kids can be any age. It is a place where entrepreneurs, artists and our employees can experiment, collaborate and discover what works.” - Lev Kroll, CEO of Nuanu Creative City.

Keeping economic value within Tabanan

Nuanu’s approach to local procurement is intended to keep more economic value within the surrounding communities. Supplies for its community programmes are purchased through the village-owned enterprise, or BUMDes, in the village where each programme takes place.

The model has been used across 18 villages in Tabanan, with Nuanu currently sourcing through 38 local MSMEs and BUMDes.

“The food assistance is bought and distributed through our village-owned enterprise, so the value stays and moves within the village,” said I Gede Putu Waisnawa, Head of BUMDes Beraban. “It supports our local economy and the people who live here.”

Nuanu also works with banjar cooperatives to organise security, transportation and gardening services. Balinese masters in silverwork, glass, ceramics and woodwork lead workshops and provide younger craftspeople with practical experience.

Local entrepreneurs are also offered opportunities to reach wider audiences, including complimentary stall space at events such as the Nuanu Kite Festival and Nuanu Cultural Week.

“Many small businesses in Tabanan produce exceptional work but still face barriers to visibility, networks and opportunity. Nuanu can help connect them with visitors, buyers, curators, media and potential partners who might not otherwise encounter their work. By giving local entrepreneurs a platform to be seen and build credibility, we can help create practical pathways towards sustainable growth.” said Ida Ayu Astari Prada, Brand and Communication Director at Nuanu Creative City.

Advancing access to financing

The working visit formed part of Commission VII’s continuing examination of access to financing and capital for MSMEs and creative economy businesses.

The discussion included contributions from Commission VII, the Ministry of Creative Economy, the Ministry of MSMEs, the Bali Provincial Government, the Tabanan Regency Government, Bank BPD Bali and local business owners.

The Ministry of Creative Economy has identified intellectual property-based financing as one potential route for expanding access to capital for creative businesses. The government has set a 2026 target of Rp10 trillion in intellectual property-based People’s Business Credit, or KUR, for the creative economy, alongside securities crowdfunding as a complementary instrument. Bali is among Indonesia’s 15 priority regions for creative economy development.

Nuanu will continue supporting local enterprises through procurement, market exposure, capacity-building and partnerships, while helping connect entrepreneurs with relevant institutions and potential financing pathways.