MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas has welcomed strong support from PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk for the successful hosting of major events in the city, including the National Working Meeting of the Association of Indonesian City Governments (APEKSI), scheduled for June 28 to July 4, 2026.
Rico expressed his appreciation during a meeting with a
Garuda Indonesia delegation at the mayor's official residence on Monday, May 4, 2026. He said the partnership reinforces
Medan's readiness to host thousands of guests from across Indonesia.
City–Garuda Synergy Strengthens Event Readiness
Read Also: LPS Strengthens Financial Literacy in Medan Through Media Gathering Rico Waas emphasized that collaboration between the
Medan City Government and
Garuda Indonesia is a key step in ensuring smooth mobility for APEKSI participants.
He noted that the national airline's involvement not only supports air transportation logistics but also strengthens Medan's image as a welcoming host city for major national events.
The meeting was also attended by
Medan Transportation Office head Irsan Idris Nasution and Tourism Office secretary T. Roby.
Push for Affordable Airfares for Delegates
Read Also: Rico Waas Champions Poetry Festival in Medan, Highlights Culture-Driven Urban Growth Rico highlighted the importance of affordable flight access for delegates, with around 98 mayors from across Indonesia expected to attend
APEKSI 2026 in
Medan.
He urged Garuda Indonesia to offer more competitive ticket pricing to encourage higher participation.
"We hope for stronger promotional support and more affordable airfares. This is important to further increase enthusiasm among participants and visitors coming to
Medan," Rico said.
Medan Targets Major Events to Boost Tourism
Read Also: PT JRG Files Appeal and Reports Case to Indonesian Police After Medan Insolvency Ruling Beyond APEKSI, Rico also pointed to other major events positioning
Medan as a national and international destination, including the ASEAN Football Federation Championship involving 11 countries.
The city government plans to leverage these events to promote tourism and Medan's culinary identity through strategic partnerships with Garuda Indonesia.
"We want joint promotions, such as showcasing
Medan's culinary routes through
Garuda Indonesia's promotional channels," he added.
Garuda Indonesia Confirms Full Commitment
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Medan Branch General Manager Bobby Pratama Saragih confirmed the airline's full readiness to support
APEKSI 2026.
"Our collaboration with the Medan City Government is very strong. We are fully prepared to support APEKSI 2026 and provide the best possible service for delegates," he said. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR:
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