"I met with the people of Banjarbaru City and asked them about the city's conditions, especially in terms of its tourism and creative economy. They appreciated Mayor Ariffin for his leadership," Minister Uno said in a written statement in Banjarbaru on Sunday.
According to the minister, the appreciation of the people of the "Dreamed City" was not only addressed to the mayor, who has been leading the city for three years, but also to Vivi Mari'e Zubedi, the mayor's wife.
Zubedi is currently serving as the Head of the Driving Team of Family Empowerment and Welfare (PKK) of Banjarbaru City.
Uno stated that Mayor Ariffin and his wife have been inspiring numerous local youths to continue to create and innovate, particularly in the city's tourism and creative economy sectors.
"The positive feedback from the people towards the young creative and innovative leader then drove us (the ministry) to extend our appreciation to him as well for his success in bringing benefits to numerous people," he noted.
Minister Uno and Mayor Ariffin had met several times at a number of events, where both figures often discussed strategies and priority programs that could be implemented in a bid to boost the city's tourism sector.
Meanwhile, Zubedi, who concurrently serves as the Head of Banjarbaru Regional National Crafts Council (Dekranasda), has been striving to stimulate the city's creative economy players to develop by displaying and promoting local products.
The Banjarbaru Dekranasda is promoting Sasirangan, Banjarbaru's original cloth, handcrafts from Purun Village, and various local food products to both domestic and international markets.
Translator: Imam H/Yoserizal, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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