Presidential Special Envoy Raffi Ahmad Praises East Kalimantan's Great Potential
The Indonesian government faces a policy dilemma with no truly comfortable options. The Indonesian government faces a policy dilemma with no truly comfortable options.
Presidential Special Envoy of the Republic of Indonesia for Youth Development and Arts Workers, Raffi Ahmad, stated that East Kalimantan province has long possessed great potential, both in terms of its youth generation and its natural wealth, arts, and culture.
Raffi expressed this during a working visit and invitation to the Mulawarman Military Regional Command (Kodam) VI/Mlw on Wednesday (8/4) in Balikpapan.
According to him, Kalimantan has its own unique appeal not found in other regions of Indonesia. Kalimantan is beautiful, both in its culture and nature. Even every area, including East Kalimantan, has extraordinary ‘magic’. Anyone who comes here will surely return with beautiful memories,” he said.
“Thank you to the Pangdam for the invitation. I am here as the President’s Envoy for youth development and arts workers, especially in East Kalimantan, Balikpapan,” Raffi stated.
He also highlighted the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the creative industry in Balikpapan, which he assessed as increasingly advanced.
“The MSMEs are developing, the cuisine is delicious, the arts are also advancing. The young people are extraordinary. This must continue to be encouraged to develop further,” Raffi said.
Raffi revealed that this was not his first visit to Balikpapan. On previous occasions, he, along with several public figures including Ariel Noah, Desta, Gading, and David Bayu, participated in promoting the region’s tourism and cultural potential.
“I have been to Balikpapan several times. Even one or two months ago, we came to introduce the natural beauty, cuisine, and interesting places here. And today I return to give encouragement to the young people,” he said.
Upon Raffi Ahmad’s arrival at Kodam VI/Mlw, he was directly welcomed by Pangdam VI Mlw Major General TNI Krido Pramono and Chair of Persit Kartika Chandra Kirana Region VI Mulawarman Syanti Krido Purnomo, who dressed him in traditional Dayak East Kalimantan attire, including a sarong and ruai bird feather hat.
Raffi was also greeted with a welcome dance performance by the Dayak tribe of East Kalimantan. He then participated in a talk show and presented awards to outstanding youth and arts workers in Balikpapan.
Meanwhile, Pangdam VI/Mlw Major General TNI Krido Pramono stated that Raffi Ahmad’s presence serves as a strategic momentum to strengthen collaboration between the government, TNI, and arts practitioners in building the character of the youth generation.
“We extend a warm welcome and our highest appreciation to Mr Raffi Ahmad. This presence becomes an important momentum in tightening collaboration to form a tough, creative, and competitive youth generation,” Krido said.
He emphasised that the youth generation is the main pillar of the nation’s future. On the other hand, arts workers play an important role as a medium for conveying national values.
“Art is not just a means of expression, but also a tool for national unity that can reach various layers of society,” he said.
He affirmed that Kodam VI/Mlw is committed to supporting youth development through creative approaches, including partnering with arts practitioners in educational and cultural activities.
“We are open to various ideas and programmes brought by Raffi Ahmad. Hopefully, more youth with character, achievements, and the ability to compete at national and international levels will emerge, without forgetting cultural values,” he stated.
He hopes that this activity becomes a concrete step in strengthening cross-sector synergy to create productive, innovative creative spaces with positive impacts for the community, especially the youth in East Kalimantan.
Raffi Ahmad’s visit concluded with planting a durian tree, releasing thousands of birds, watching jepen and hudoq dances, and visiting several MSME stands under Kodam VI/Mlw.