Apkasi Prepares Young Generation as Regional Investment Promotion Ambassadors

The Association of Indonesian Regency Governments (Apkasi) is preparing the younger generation to serve as ambassadors for promoting investment, tourism, and leading regional sectors to strengthen the competitiveness of regencies and unlock economic growth opportunities across various regions. Apkasi Executive Director Sarman Simanjorang stated that this effort is being carried out through the Putri Otonomi Indonesia (POI) 2026 selection, which is not merely a competition but also a platform for developing the capacity of young people to promote regional economic potential. “We want the alumni and winners to be at the forefront as regional promotion ambassadors,” Sarman said in a press release received in Jakarta on Saturday. He explained that the finalists are equipped with public speaking, leadership, and personal branding skills, as well as knowledge about investment potential, arts, culture, and tourism, enabling them to represent their regency governments in showcasing their respective regional advantages. He assessed that strengthening the capacity of the younger generation is increasingly important as local governments are required to be more active in building networks, promoting investment potential, and attracting economic activities that benefit the community. A total of 20 finalists from various regions in Indonesia underwent a quarantine period starting 27 June 2026 in Deli Serdang Regency. During the programme, participants received training on public communication, leadership, and mapping regional tourism potential, and also participated in a national defence retreat programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence. Meanwhile, Apkasi Chairperson Bursah Zarnubi stated that the quality of human resources is a crucial foundation for strengthening regional economic development. He noted that the younger generation must be able to identify and communicate their region’s leading potential, ranging from agriculture, fisheries, and creative industries to tourism and local resource-based investment opportunities. “The quality of human resources is the foundation of national progress. This step is in line with the grand agenda of building Indonesia from the periphery, consistent with President Prabowo Subianto’s sixth Asta Cita, which is building from the villages,” he said. He expressed hope that the winners and alumni of Putri Otonomi Indonesia would not stop at ceremonial activities but would actively promote the economic, investment, tourism, arts, and cultural potential of their regions to a wider audience. At the Grand Final of Putri Otonomi Indonesia 2026, the host regency’s representative, Yemima Mutiara Caren Sitanggang from Deli Serdang, was crowned as Putri Otonomi Indonesia 2026. The grand final was part of the 26th anniversary celebrations of Apkasi, held in Deli Serdang on 1-2 July 2026, and was attended by approximately 230 regents and vice regents from across Indonesia.