Jakarta (ANTARA) – Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya voiced support for Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, to develop into a new regional center for the creative economy.The city is currently preparing to host major international events including the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) Executive Bureau Meeting and the Asia-Pacific Forum 2026.Scheduled for May 7 to 9, these activities will provide a strategic venue to boost Indonesia's creative economy while sharing best practices across the region.”We support this agenda as it will help promote Indonesia's name internationally and serve as crucial momentum for Kendari,” Harsya remarked in a statement on Friday.The minister noted that the events will accelerate economic growth in the eastern part of the country.He emphasized that the ministry is committed to expanding the outreach of local products and fostering a more conducive ecosystem for the creative economy.Harsya praised Kendari for implementing a regional regulation in 2018 focused on the protection and development of the creative sector.He underlined the importance of collaboration to help Indonesia's creative economy excel globally through quality culinary, crafts, fashion, and art.Mayor Siska Karina Imran highlighted the establishment of a dedicated tourism and creative economy office as a key step for international exposure.”With a population of 355,665 and reliable connectivity our city is ready to host the Asia-Pacific agenda,” the mayor affirmed.She expressed hope that collaboration with the ministry would deliver lasting benefits for local creative economy professionals and improve public welfare.