RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia's Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, discussed strategic collaboration in advancing local creative potential while receiving an audience with Kendari Mayor Siska Karina Imran. The Kendari Mayor's visit aims to coordinate Kendari City's readiness to host the United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) Executive Bureau Meeting and Asia Pacific Forum 2026.

"We express our appreciation and support, as this extraordinary event effectively promotes Indonesia's reputation on the international stage and serves as a crucial momentum for Kendari City to accelerate new economic growth in eastern Indonesia," the Minister stated during an audience in Jakarta on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau Meeting and Asia Pacific Forum 2026 is scheduled to take place from May 7–9, 2026. As a strategic international event, this meeting is expected to provide momentum for regional leaders across the Asia Pacific to strengthen their capacity and exchange development policies for the advancement of the region.

The Minister of Creative Economy affirme that this forum is a strategic platform to promote the creative economy as a new source of growth, while simultaneously positioning Kendari as a model for cities in the Asia Pacific. The Ministry is committed to acting as an accelerator by facilitating the promotion of local products and strengthening the creative ecosystem, supported by strong regulations from the Kendari City Government, which serve as a foundation for the sustainability of the innovation and cultural sectors in the region.

"Kendari City has taken progressive steps with the issuance of Regional Regulation No. 1 of 2018 concerning the Protection and Development of the Creative Economy. This demonstrates the serious commitment of the local government, which we need to promote together so that subsectors such as culinary, crafts, fashion, and performing arts there can further develop and compete in the global market," the Minister stated.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Kendari stated that his region's readiness to become a center of attention in the Asia Pacific region has been supported by a focused bureaucratic structure through the Tourism and Creative Economy Office. He hopes that synergy with central ministries will have a long-term impact on local creative economy players as they prepare to welcome international delegations next month.

"We are optimistic that with the support of the Minister of Creative Economy, Kendari City can prove that the creative economy is a driving force for inclusive growth. With a population of 355,665 and excellent connectivity through Haluoleo Airport, we are ready to make this Asia Pacific agenda a success while improving public welfare through the creative sector," the Mayor conveyed.

The meeting affirmed that collaboration between the central and regional governments is key to accelerating local potential onto the global stage. It demonstrated a shared commitment to making the creative economy a new engine of national economic growth, starting from the regions.