MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Medan Mayor, Rico Waas, projects that the 18th National Working Meeting (Rakernas) of the Association of Indonesian City Governments (APEKSI) in 2026 will generate a significant economic impact for the city. The major national event, which will bring together hundreds of city leaders from across Indonesia, is expected to circulate approximately Rp72.3 trillion in economic activity while strengthening Medan's position as one of North Sumatra's key growth centers.
Rico Waas delivered the projection during a press conference for the 18th APEKSI National Working Meeting held in
Medan on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The event was attended by APEKSI Executive Director Alwis Rustam, Deputy Chair for Government and Regional Autonomy Eva Dwiana, Deputy Chair for Inclusion and Human Rights Muhammad Tauhid Soleman, Deputy Chair for Smart City Acceleration Respati Ardianto, Deputy Mayor of
Medan H. Zakiyuddin Harahap,
Medan Regional Secretary Wiriya Alrahman, representatives of various agencies, and members of the media.
Strong Boost for Local Economy and SMEs
Rico Waas stated that around Rp17 trillion of the total projected impact will come directly from participant and organizer spending on local businesses. He emphasized that this figure highlights the significant contribution of the event to strengthening
Medan's local economy, particularly the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector.
"The Rp17 trillion comes from direct spending on local economic actors. Overall, Bappeda estimates the total circulation at around Rp72.3 trillion. We hope this target can be achieved, as each city sends large delegations and there are both formal and informal activities during the event," Rico Waas said.
He added that the largest share of the economic circulation is expected to come from the hospitality and service sector. Hotels and accommodation are projected to contribute around 37.30 percent, while food, beverages, and MSMEs account for approximately 11.27 percent.
Medan Showcases Its Economic and Cultural Potential
To ensure the economic benefits are widely distributed, the
Medan city government has involved a total of 294 MSMEs in the APEKSI Rakernas program. These businesses will be placed at strategic locations such as the Public Service Mall (Mal Pelayanan Publik), Hotel Santika Premiere Dyandra
Medan, and Lapangan Benteng.
The initiative is part of the city's broader strategy to integrate national-scale events with local economic empowerment. The expected arrival of thousands of participants from various Indonesian cities is anticipated to open broader business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
"We want to showcase what
Medan has to offer-from culture and culinary richness to the character of its people and potential collaboration with other regions," Rico Waas explained.
He also noted that the series of events began on June 28 with the Youth City Changers (YCC) program, which involved young participants from various regions.
High-Level Participation and Dense Event Agenda
Rico Waas said the peak of the activities will take place in early July. On July 1, coinciding with Medan's 436th anniversary, the agenda includes an official ceremony, the Mayors Forum, Mayors Talk, the opening of the Indonesia City Expo (ICE), and several supporting events.
On July 2, the program continues with joint sports activities, a tree-planting initiative as part of an environmental campaign, the inauguration of the "Tugu Kota Tangguh" monument, the APEKSI plenary session, and the Colorful
Medan Carnival featuring delegations from 73 cities across Indonesia. The event will conclude on July 3 with the closing of the Indonesia City Expo and end on July 4 with a public festival.
According to Rico Waas, 88 mayors, four deputy mayors, two regional secretaries, and one city representative from a total of 98 APEKSI member cities are confirmed to attend the event in Medan. This reflects the strong importance of the forum as a national platform for municipal governments.
APEKSI Executive Director Alwis Rustam also emphasized that the high level of participation reflects a strong spirit of collaboration among Indonesian cities. The forum not only serves as a platform for discussion but also produces concrete policy recommendations to address urban challenges.
Medan is expected to present itself as a well-organized host city, delivering high service quality and a positive impression for both participants and local residents.
The APEKSI National Working Meeting 2026 is therefore considered a strategic forum for strengthening inter-city cooperation and promoting sustainable urban development in Indonesia.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala