Deputy Mayor of Makassar, Aliyah Mustika Ilham, stated on Thursday (July 31) that the Makassar City Government is committed to fostering partnerships with various stakeholders, including PUM, which is well-known for its consistent support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in several countries.
“The presence of PUM is an opportunity for Makassar to accelerate the sustainable growth of tourism and MSMEs,” Aliyah stated during a meeting with representatives from the South Sulawesi Regional Board (DPD) of the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA).
She noted that international collaboration is a strategic step toward delivering practical, experience-based solutions.
Aliyah expressed appreciation for ASITA South Sulawesi’s initiative in facilitating the meeting, particularly in efforts to strengthen the capacity of tourism businesses during the post-pandemic recovery period.
She also offered strategic guidance on the digital transformation and institutional strengthening of ASITA South Sulawesi, recommending that the development of its information systems and website management be coordinated with Makassar’s Head of Communications and Information Agency, Muhammad Roem.
Additionally, she highlighted the importance of involving the Makassar Creative Hub as a partner to promote innovation- and creativity-based MSMEs.
Aliyah expressed hope that the collaboration with PUM would extend beyond technical assistance and result in tangible benefits directly experienced by the local community.
“The Makassar City Government welcomes all initiatives aligned with our mission of empowering communities. We want Makassar to be a model of a city that adapts to global changes while staying rooted in local potential,” she affirmed.
Joop Goossens, a PUM representative, explained that the organization sends senior experts from the Netherlands to provide technical guidance and training to SMEs.
“Their main focus is to improve managerial capacity, business efficiency, and competitiveness in key sectors such as tourism, culinary, and the creative economy,” he remarked.
The meeting is expected to establish a strong and impactful partnership, particularly in supporting tourism-based economic recovery and the sustainable empowerment of local SMEs.
Meanwhile, ASITA South Sulawesi Chairperson Didi Manaba stated that the collaboration aims to enhance the organization’s performance, competitiveness, and professionalism in tourism development.
“PUM is currently assisting ASITA in improving and strengthening the organization to make it more modern, professional, and competitive. Their 10-day support began on July 28,” he remarked.
PUM has deployed experts from various fields, including organizational management, tourism and hospitality, digitalization and marketing, finance, human resources, and other areas, tailored to the needs of its partners.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Arie Novarina
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