Jakarta, 9 April 2026 – The Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Teuku Riefky Harsya, discussed strategic collaboration to advance local creative potential while receiving an audience with the Mayor of Kendari, Siska Karina Imran. The visit aimed to coordinate Kendari City’s readiness as the host of the United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) Executive Bureau Meeting and Asia Pacific Forum 2026.
The Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, received the Mayor of Kendari, Siska Karina Imran, at the Ministry of Creative Economy Office, Jakarta, Thursday (9/4/2026).
“We express our appreciation and support, as this extraordinary event can effectively elevate Indonesia’s name on the international stage, while also serving as an important momentum for Kendari City to accelerate new economic growth in Eastern Indonesia,” said the Minister during the meeting at the Ministry’s office in Jakarta on Thursday, 9 April 2026.
The UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau Meeting and Asia Pacific Forum 2026 are scheduled to take place on 7–9 May 2026. As a strategic international event, the forum is expected to serve as a platform for regional leaders across Asia Pacific to strengthen capacity and exchange development policies for regional advancement.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
The Minister emphasized that the forum serves as a strategic platform to promote the creative economy as a new source of growth, while positioning Kendari as a model for cities across Asia Pacific. The Ministry of Creative Economy is committed to acting as an accelerator through the facilitation of local product promotion and the strengthening of the creative ecosystem, supported by strong local regulations from the Kendari City Government as the foundation for sustainable innovation and cultural sectors.
“Kendari City has taken progressive steps with Regional Regulation No. 1 of 2018 on the Protection and Development of the Creative Economy. This reflects a strong commitment from the local government, which we must continue to support so that subsectors such as culinary, crafts, fashion, and performing arts can grow further and compete in the global market,” the Minister added.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Kendari stated that the city’s readiness to become a focal point in the Asia Pacific region has been supported by a focused bureaucratic structure through the Tourism and Creative Economy Office. She expressed hope that synergy with the central government would deliver long-term impacts for local creative economy players as the city prepares to welcome international delegates next month.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
“We are optimistic that with the support of the Minister of Creative Economy, Kendari City can demonstrate that the creative economy is an inclusive engine of growth. With a population of 355,665 and strong connectivity through Haluoleo Airport, we are ready to successfully host this Asia Pacific agenda while improving public welfare through the creative sector,” said the Mayor of Kendari.
This meeting reaffirms that collaboration between central and regional governments is key to accelerating local potential onto the global stage. It reflects a shared commitment to positioning the creative economy as the new engine of national economic growth, starting from the regions.
During the meeting, the Mayor of Kendari was accompanied by the Chairman of the Kendari City Regional House of Representatives, La Ode Muhammad Inarto, and Head of the Regional Development Planning Agency, M. Syaiful.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
Meanwhile, the Minister was accompanied by Acting Deputy for Strategic Development of Creative Economy Dian Permanasari and Expert Staff for Media Monitoring and Public Opinion Hasbil Mustaqim Lubis.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
