Makassar Mayor Introduces MCH as an Economic Engine for Young People

Makassar (ANTARA) – Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin presented his vision for the future of the youth creative economy at the 2026 United Nations Forum of Mayors in Geneva, Switzerland, introducing the Makassar Creative Hub (MCH) as an economic engine.

In a statement received in Makassar on Tuesday, Munafri said MCH was a flagship programme designed to turn the creativity, ideas and talents of young people into business opportunities, jobs and a new economic force for the city.

“In Makassar, Indonesia, we have seven action programmes. Makassar Creative Hub is one of our flagship programmes, aimed at strengthening creativity and innovation while contributing to a more inclusive urban economy,” he said.

Munafri stressed in his presentation that making cities liveable and sustainable required practical action, including creating space for young people to develop their potential and generate new economic opportunities.

The international forum was held at the United Nations in Geneva on 12–13 October 2026. Of Indonesia’s 514 regencies and cities, Makassar was among those given the opportunity to participate, alongside more than 60 mayors from around the world.

Munafri said the idea for establishing MCH stemmed from the considerable potential of Makassar’s young people. They have ideas, creativity and talent, he said, but need a space that connects that potential with skills development, collaboration and business opportunities.

MCH is intended not merely as a gathering place for creative professionals, but as an incubator, a collaborative ecosystem and an economic driver for creators, digital entrepreneurs and local craftspeople.

“When I initiated Makassar Creative Hub, I realised that young people in my city were full of ideas and potential talent. However, they needed a platform to develop that talent and create work with high value,” he said.

Munafri said the Makassar City Government was seeking through MCH to widen access to the creative economy. The programme can support a range of fields, from fashion design and fiction writing to film, culinary businesses and performing arts.

Munafri, who is also the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia, underlined the importance of technology in creating new economic opportunities for young people. Artificial intelligence (AI), combined with broader social media reach, could help creative-sector workers increase productivity, expand their markets and create jobs.

“Through Makassar Creative Hub, we can accelerate the creation of new jobs for young people by using technology, artificial intelligence systems and social media expansion,” he said.