Deputy Interior Minister States Kendari Has Great Potential to Become an Economic Hub
Wiyagus also expressed appreciation to the local government apparatus, community leaders, academics, and all elements of society who have contributed to the progress of Kendari City as it enters its 195th year. He conveyed this during his role as inspecting officer at the 195th Anniversary Ceremony of Kendari City held at the City Hall Ceremony Field in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, today.
“The spirit of collaboration and active participation from all parties serves as the main pillar in strengthening responsive, transparent, and accountable local governance,” Wiyagus stated in a written remark on Saturday (9/5/2026).
He assessed that this year’s Kendari anniversary celebration is particularly special as it coincides with the hosting of the United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) ASPAC 2026. According to him, this positions Kendari not merely as the capital of Southeast Sulawesi Province but also as a focal point for the Asia-Pacific region in local governance.
Wiyagus stated that the international community’s trust in selecting Kendari as the host for this global forum is an acknowledgement of the city’s capacity, deemed on par with major world cities. This indicates that Kendari’s development is on the right track, aligning infrastructure development with local cultural strengths.
“A modern city that still preserves its cultural roots. An economically ambitious city that remains socially inclusive,” he said.
On the other hand, he appreciated Kendari City’s development achievements amid global economic dynamics. Kendari has recorded economic growth of 5.16 per cent, surpassing national growth. Moreover, price stability has been maintained through the performance of the Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID) with an inflation rate of 2.96 per cent.
According to him, the most proud achievement is the Human Development Index (IPM) of 86.36, placing Kendari sixth nationally. This figure demonstrates that government investments in health, education, and income improvement have been felt tangibly by the community.
Wiyagus also highlighted Kendari’s strategic position as the main gateway for logistics, trade, and services in Southeast Sulawesi. He assessed that blue economy potential through the optimisation of Kendari Bay could open opportunities for integrated marine tourism development, while serving as a distribution hub for flagship commodities from other regions.
“With support from international-standard infrastructure and high-quality human resources, Kendari is deemed to have all the requisites to transform into the epicentre of the creative economy and a MICE industry hub in eastern Indonesia. This transformation is believed to create new job opportunities and drive inclusive and sustainable national economic growth,” he revealed.
On that occasion, Wiyagus conveyed five important agendas for enhancing regional capacity. First, strengthening good governance through transparency, accountability, bureaucratic reform, and digitalisation. Second, accelerating quality and equitable infrastructure development.
Third, developing sustainable cities that balance economic growth, environmental preservation, and community quality of life. Fourth, positioning Kendari as an innovation laboratory for nutrition strengthening and vocational education programmes. Fifth, enhancing social and cultural resilience while preserving local wisdom values amid globalisation.
Furthermore, Wiyagus invited all elements of society to use the 195th Kendari City anniversary commemoration as a moment for reflection on achievements, evaluation of shortcomings, and motivation to work better moving forward.
“Long live Kendari City. May the spirit from this anniversary commemoration always serve as the driving force for realising better local governance,” he concluded.
Also present on the occasion were Deputy Governor of Southeast Sulawesi Hugua, Mayor of Kendari Siska Karina Imran, officials from the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) of Southeast Sulawesi Province and Kendari City, as well as other related officials.