He arrived at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition at around 10 a.m. local time on Thursday for the annual event, officially titled "Apkasi Otonomi Expo 2025: Trade, Tourism, Investment, and Procurement," which runs through August 30. The expo was first held in 2005.
Accompanied by State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, the president was welcomed by Apkasi Chairman Bursah Zarnubi, who currently serves as head of Lahat District, South Sumatra.
He greeted several participants, including state officials, regional heads, representatives of foreign embassies, and Apkasi members.
The president then delivered directives to district administrations across the country as well as officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs before inaugurating the expo by striking a gong, which drew applause from around 1,500 participants.
Afterwards, alongside ministers and Apkasi representatives, Prabowo toured kiosks highlighting the strength, potential, and investment appeal of nearly 300 Indonesian regions. He later concluded his agenda and departed for the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta.
Separately, Apkasi Executive Director Sarman Simanjorang explained that the expo, themed "Local Products Going Global," not only highlights regional strengths but also provides public services directly accessible to visitors.
The Home Affairs Ministry is offering population and civil registration services, including those related to ID cards and household registration documents, similar to previous editions.
The event was attended by several Red and White Cabinet members, including Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono; Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra; Finance Minister Sri Mulyani; and Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni.
Also present were National Police (Polri) Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto, and National Nutrition Agency (BGN) Head Dadan Hindayana, among others.
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Translator: Genta T, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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