Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya emphasized the publishing sector's role in promoting literacy and building national character amid rapid digital transformation. He welcomed the launch of the book 'The Mentor: Sembilan Purnama di Sisi SBY', recounting Merry Riana's journey with former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The event was attended by SBY and supported by Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono.
In Jakarta on Wednesday (November 5, 2025), Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya stated that the publishing sector can serve as a key means to promote literacy contributing to nation-building character. "We at the Ministry of Creative Economy are committed to strengthening the national publishing ecosystem by supporting writers, publishers, and literacy communities as the foundation of the nation's civilization. The power of narrative remains relevant in shaping an integrity-filled generation," he asserted in a press statement.
The minister highlighted the close link between inspirational books on leadership and creative economy development, stressing the importance of narratives drawn from life experiences and values. He applauded the launch of the book 'The Mentor: Sembilan Purnama di Sisi SBY', which narrates nine months of spiritual and leadership journey of Merry Riana under the guidance of Indonesia's 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). The book invites readers to reflect on true leadership's meaning, from steadfastness, moral values, dedication, to transformation, with stories from Pacitan to Stanford.
"'The Mentor' is not just reading material, but a bridge between leadership and creativity, between reflection and action. Strong creativity is not just about ideas, but also about depth of meaning," the minister said. He praised Merry Riana and Alva Tjenderasa for elevating Indonesia's storytelling spirit through this work.
Author Merry Riana revealed the book stemmed from a call of the heart and inner unrest. "When I stepped into the world of government, a very new world... that's where I finally had the opportunity to learn from a mentor figure," she said. The launch was attended by SBY and fully supported by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY).
AHY stated, "Writing a book or making a book is not the same as building irrigation, because it requires dialogue with our inner self, with feelings, with empathy, and striving to delve into what's in the mentor's mind." The launch is viewed as an embodiment of the nation's noble values through creativity.