Kendari to Host UCLG ASPAC 2026, Mayor Siska: We Open Our Hearts to Collaboration
Kendari is set to host the United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) 2026. The event will take place from 6-10 May 2026 and will be attended by delegations from 13 countries and 27 cities.
At the opening of the UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau and Asia Pacific Forum, Kendari Mayor Siska Karina Imran stated that this event represents a major agenda as it is the first time this global forum will be held in Kendari. It is an honour and a highly valuable form of trust that Kendari has been chosen as the host for UCLG ASPAC 2026.
“Kendari is not merely hosting an international forum, but also opening up spaces for global collaboration,” said Mayor Siska in her speech at the opening of the UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau and Asia Pacific Forum on Friday, 8 May 2026. “This forum serves as an important space for exchanging ideas and building joint solutions related to sustainable and inclusive urban development.”
Siska conveyed the philosophy of Kendari’s community, which upholds values of hospitality. For the people of Kendari, every guest is an honour, and their presence is evidence of trust that forms the main foundation in building global cooperation. “Today, we are not only welcoming you to an international forum. Today, we are opening the doors of our city. And more than that, we are opening our hearts,” said Siska.
Deputy Interior Minister Akhmad Wiyagus stated that this forum is a momentum to strengthen solidarity and collaboration among regions amid global challenges, while also expanding the role of local governments in sustainable tourism development and inclusive development. “This meeting is crucial for strengthening inclusive regional governance and development,” he said.
Indonesia has significant potential to become a global tourism powerhouse. As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia possesses more than 17,000 islands with a territorial expanse of 5,247 kilometres from Sabang to Merauke. According to Akhmad Wiyagus, Indonesia’s strength lies not only in its vast land but also in its seas, with rich biodiversity and cultures spread across various regions.
“Indonesia is the world’s cultural laboratory. We have more than 1,200 ethnic groups with a wealth of traditions, cuisine, crafts, and local wisdom that form the main strength of tourism,” he said. Indonesia is also part of the Coral Triangle region, which holds about 76 percent of the world’s coral species. This natural wealth is a major attraction for international tourists.
On that occasion, Akhmad Wiyagus expressed appreciation to the Kendari City Government for successfully organising the international forum by involving local talents, from artistic performances to event organisers. Therefore, Southeast Sulawesi, particularly Kendari, according to him, has great potential that can be developed through the tourism, culture, and community-based creative economy sectors.
UCLG ASPAC Secretary General Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi stated that Southeast Asia is now one of the world’s tourism growth centres. Local governments play a primary role in ensuring that the tourism sector can grow inclusively and sustainably. “Local governments are at the forefront in managing destinations, maintaining cleanliness and security, and ensuring that communities benefit from the tourism sector,” she said.
As part of the UCLG ASPAC 2026 implementation, there will be several agendas, such as international discussions, bilateral meetings among regions, promotion and exhibitions of MSMEs, and cultural festivals. The 13 participating countries are China, South Korea, Nepal, Malaysia, Philippines, Turkey, India, Bangladesh, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Maldives, and Kiribati.