Trenggalek Promotes Tourism and Investment at Yeosu World Island Fair 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The economic, cultural, and tourism potential of Trenggalek Regency, East Java, took center stage at the Yeosu World Island Fair 2026 in South Korea on Saturday, September 5, 2026, as Indonesian lawmakers leveraged the international forum to attract global investment and technology partners.

Led by House of Representatives (DPR RI) Commission VII member Novita Hardini, the Indonesian delegation joined representatives from 30 nations and three international organizations for the two-month event, running through November 4, 2026, under the theme Island, Connecting the Ocean and the Future.

While a troupe of 15 selected dancers showcased Trenggalek's iconic Turonggo Yakso traditional dance, the delegation highlighted the regency’s broader economic profile, ranging from its natural resources and coastal tourism to creative industries and culinary arts.

Novita emphasized that cultural exposure must serve as a gateway for sustainable trade, urging the integration of advanced digital technology, such as centralized tourism platforms modeled after South Korea's NAVER Map, and resilient infrastructure to transform regional heritage into a long-term driver of economic prosperity.

Legislative representatives and cultural delegates emphasized that international cultural exposure must translate into concrete economic benefits, modern infrastructure, and technological upgrades for regional tourism. Novita outlined the long-term vision behind Trenggalek's participation in South Korea.

"If today they recognize Turonggo Yakso, we want them to further understand the broader potential of Trenggalek, beyond hoping they visit as tourists, we want them to arrive as business partners and collaborators," she said in an official release on Sunday, September 6, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

She stressed the necessity of integrating advanced digital technology into Indonesia's island tourism framework. "Indonesia's island tourism resources hold immense potential, yet we still require advanced technological infrastructure so that our destinations offer tech-enabled experiences rather than pure natural beauty, that is cultural diplomacy yielding real value," Hardini explained.

Addressing systemic infrastructure gaps in coastal regions, Hardini urged prioritizing basic utility networks alongside creative spaces. Connected road networks, electrical grids, water supply, and digital connectivity are all crucial, culture should not merely be enjoyed for a moment, it must become an economic driver, making physical infrastructure a development priority.

She further highlighted the need for climate-resilient development to safeguard vulnerable island environments. "Cultural development must be integrated with advanced technology and an understanding of climate change issues, ensuring its economic value endures for future generations, a living culture is not just one that is preserved, but one capable of sustaining the generations that inherit it," Novita added. ***