Saturday, 11 July 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Indonesia City Expo (ICE) 2026 has not only served as a showcase for outstanding products from various regions across Indonesia but has also evolved into a strategic platform where municipal governments exchange ideas, expand networks, and strengthen collaboration to enhance the competitiveness of local products in international markets.
The statement was delivered by Medan Mayor Rico Waas during the closing ceremony of the Indonesia City Expo held at Hotel Santika Dyandra Medan on Friday, July 3, 2026. The three-day exhibition was part of the 18th National Working Meeting of the Association of Indonesian City Governments (APEKSI) and was attended by numerous city leaders from across Indonesia.Throughout the exhibition, he visited numerous booths and observed various innovations that he considered highly inspiring. He particularly highlighted the serious efforts of several regional governments investing in research and product development, improving quality standards, and sending small and medium enterprises (SMEs/UMKM) abroad for capacity-building programs.
According to him, these initiatives reflect a growing awareness among local governments of the importance of building a modern and competitive economy based on regional products."We are here to get to know each other, learn from one another, and support each other. I am fully convinced that Indonesian local products are highly competitive at the global level. We have cultural richness that produces unique goods found nowhere else in the world," said Rico Waas.
Rico Waas underlined that Indonesia's cultural diversity represents a major strength that must be optimally developed. He also stressed the importance of improving product quality comprehensively—from design and packaging to branding and standardization—in order to increase value and compete in global markets.
During the event, he also introduced an entrepreneur from the Medan Regional Craft Council (Dekranasda) assisted group, Nurmasita from Wira Bags. She shared the development of her business, which had declined significantly during the pandemic before being revived through support from the Medan City Government.With this assistance, Wira Bags was able to significantly improve its product quality and emerge as one of the regional flagship products showcased at the Indonesia City Expo 2026.
Rico Waas described this progress as clear evidence of the crucial role of local governments in empowering UMKM. He emphasized that support should go beyond training and must also include access to financing, digitalization, distribution, and market expansion."These products must become a source of pride for Indonesia and be consumed globally. That is our responsibility as regional leaders," he stated.
Rico Waas further revealed that the Indonesia City Expo 2026 generated significant economic transactions. According to available data, UMKM sales during the event reached approximately IDR 1.5 billion.
Sales from Dekranasda Medan also showed positive growth, recording around IDR 65 million on the first day, IDR 75 million on the second day, and nearly IDR 50 million on the final day of the exhibition."This shows that local products have strong market acceptance. Now the challenge is to further improve their quality and expand their reach. I hope all cities continue to exchange experiences so that more Indonesian products can be recognized globally," he said.
The event, which was part of the 18th APEKSI National Working Meeting (Rakernas XVIII), featured 141 booths from 98 cities across Indonesia, two institutions, the banking sector, and UMKM fostered from various regions.At the closing ceremony, winners across several categories were also announced.
In the "Best Booth" category, Bandar Lampung secured first place, followed by Bandung and Surabaya. Special awards went to Mojokerto (Honorable Mention I), Palembang (Honorable Mention II), and Makassar (Honorable Mention III).The award for Best Booth Decoration went to Palangkaraya. Medan was named the "Most Favorite Booth," while North Jakarta (Jakarta Utara) was recognized as the "Most Creative Booth."
In the performing arts category, Pontianak won first place, followed by Makassar and Serang. Honorable mentions were awarded to Bandung, Salatiga, and South Tangerang.The top five cities in the "Nusantara Cultural Carnival" were Tangerang, Semarang, Jambi, Bandung, and Malang. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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