Kendari, Radarsultra.co — Kendari officially welcomed delegates and regional leaders from across the Asia-Pacific during the 2026 UCLG ASPAC Executive Bureau Meeting & Asia Pacific Forum, a major international gathering focused on sustainable tourism and inclusive economic growth.
Opening the forum, Mayor, dr. Siska Karina Imran described the event as more than a diplomatic meeting, emphasizing the importance of trust and meaningful cooperation among cities and local governments.
“Today, we are not merely welcoming you in this international forum. Today, we are opening our city, and more importantly, our hearts,” Siska said in her opening remarks on Friday (8/5/2026).
She stressed that the delegates’ presence in Kendari represented a symbol of confidence and mutual respect.
“In Kendari, we believe that every guest is an honor. Your presence here is not just part of a formal agenda, it is a sign of trust. And trust is the most valuable foundation for meaningful cooperation,” she stated.
The mayor also highlighted the shared commitment among participating countries and local governments to advance sustainable tourism that balances economic growth with environmental and cultural responsibility.
“We gather here with a shared commitment to advance sustainable tourism as a foundation for a resilient and inclusive future. A vision that goes beyond economic growth, embracing environmental responsibility and cultural respect,” Siska said.
She noted that the forum was designed not only as a discussion platform, but also as a space to strengthen partnerships and collaboration.
“This 2026 UCLG Executive Bureau Meeting & Asia Pacific Forum is more than a platform for discussion. It is a space to build trust. And strong cooperation always begins with trust,” she added.
Siska further emphasized Kendari’s openness to learning and contributing to regional solutions.
“As the host city, we stand here not to present perfection, but with humility, readiness to learn, and commitment to contribute to shared solutions,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC, Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, underlined the growing importance of sustainable tourism in strengthening resilience and supporting inclusive economic development across the region.
“We gather here under a theme that is both timely and imperative: ‘Advancing Sustainable Tourism for a Resilient Future and Inclusive Economic Growth,’” Bernadia said.
She revealed that Asia-Pacific tourism recorded a strong rebound in 2025, with international arrivals reaching approximately 331 million visitors, while Indonesia welcomed around 15.39 million foreign tourists.
“These are not just statistics; they represent millions of families, small businesses, and local communities empowered by the flow of responsible travel,” she stated.
Bernadia also emphasized the crucial role of local governments in managing tourism development on the ground.
“It is the Governor, the Mayor, the Regent, and the village leader who manage the destinations, who maintain the hygiene and safety, who regulate land use, and who engage directly with the communities hosting these visitors,” she explained.
According to her, sustainable tourism cannot exist without capable and responsive local governments that protect cultural identity and natural assets while ensuring benefits for local communities.
The forum in Kendari is also expected to produce the “Kendari Joint Action,” a shared commitment document aimed at strengthening collaboration among local governments across Asia-Pacific.
Before concluding, Bernadia delivered a traditional pantun to honor the host city.
“Angin laut berhembus menyapa
Perahu nelayan berlayar di Teluk Kendari.
Kolaborasi jadi kunci utama,
Membangun masa depan penuh harmoni.”***
