Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Menparekraf/Kabaparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has called on local governments and creative economy stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in an effort to ensure that Gorontalo District can be included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Speaking at the "Creative District/City (KaTa) Forum" at the Kasmat Lahay Convention Center in Gorontalo on Tuesday (27/2/2024), Minister Sandiaga emphasized that this initiative takes into account the creative economic potential in Gorontalo District, particularly in the culinary sector, which could serve as a driver for other creative economic subsectors.
The Minister's efforts to promote Gorontalo as a potential member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network highlight the importance of recognizing and harnessing the creative economy's potential to drive sustainable development and cultural preservation in the region. By fostering collaboration and innovation in the creative sector, Gorontalo can position itself as a hub for creativity and cultural exchange on a global scale.
During his visit to one of the culinary MSME players, which is a locomotive subsector in Gorontalo Regency, in the event "Creative District/City (KaTa)" at the Kasmat Lahay Convention Center, Gorontalo, on Tuesday (27/2/2024), Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno expressed his admiration. According to Sandiaga, Gorontalo Regency has a progressive mindset. In 2018, Gorontalo Regency underwent the process of Creative Economy and Entrepreneurship Certification (PMK3I) facilitated by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. The culinary subsector was then selected as the locomotive subsector in Gorontalo Regency.
"Since it has been designated as a national creative district, the next step is to propose Gorontalo as a Creative City according to UNESCO's version. We can collaborate with the local government to further promote Gorontalo's creative economy products globally," said Sandiaga. This initiative aims to enhance the recognition and visibility of Gorontalo's creative economy products on an international scale.
The implementation of these efforts will further strengthen the creative economy ecosystem in Gorontalo. The district of Gorontalo can benefit greatly from being part of the world's creative city. In addition to the sustainability and preservation of local cuisine, it also indirectly serves as an effective promotional tool.
Moreover, with the legitimacy from UNESCO, it provides opportunities for districts/cities to network and build communities with similar cities in other countries around the world.
Sandiaga, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, stated that the ministry is committed to continuously providing support through various programs needed by the creative economy players in Gorontalo, ranging from training, access to funding, to marketing.
We are interested in exploring how the creative economy in Gorontalo Regency can be further advanced," stated Sandiaga.
Regent of Gorontalo Regency, Nelson Pomalingo, welcomed the initiative of Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga, who has designated Gorontalo Regency to progress as a UNESCO Creative City following Pekalongan, Bandung, Jakarta, Ambon, and Solo which have already joined the global creative economy ecosystem.
"God willing, this will become the driving force of our economy," Nelson said.
Accompanying the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, the Deputy for Destination and Infrastructure Development of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Hariyanto; the Director of Creative Economy Infrastructure of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Oneng Setya Harini; and the Director of Creative Economy Human Resources of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Fahmi, were present.
Also present were the Head of the Department of Tourism, Youth, and Sports of Gorontalo Province, Ariyanto Husein; and the Head of the Department of Tourism, Youth, and Sports of Gorontalo Regency, Rita Idrus.