Medan – The Indonesia City Expo (ICE) 2026 series of events within the 18th APEKSI National Working Meeting (Rakernas) officially concluded after three days, July 1–3, 2026, at the Ballroom of the Santika Dyandra Hotel in Medan, North Sumatra. The closing ceremony marked the end of one of the main agendas of the Rakernas, which featured innovation exhibitions, investment promotions, superior regional products, and arts and culture from APEKSI member cities. Throughout its run, ICE 2026 served as a collaborative space bringing together city governments, businesses, investors, and the public to strengthen development synergies and encourage regional economic growth.
At the closing ceremony, the committee announced the award winners as a token of appreciation for the creativity and innovation of city governments. In the Best Stand category, first place went to Bandar Lampung, second place to Bandung, and third place to Surabaya. The Hope Award was awarded to Mojokerto, Palembang, and Makassar. In addition, special awards for Best Decoration went to Palangkaraya, Most Favorite Stand to Medan, and Most Creative Stand to North Jakarta. In the Best Art Performance category, first place went to Pontianak, second place to Makassar, and third place to Serang. The Hope Award was awarded to Bandung, Salatiga, and South Tangerang. The Best Cultural Carnival award was awarded to Tangerang, Semarang, Jambi, Bandung, and Malang for their impressive performances throughout the event.
These awards are expected to motivate all city governments to continue innovating in promoting regional potential, developing the creative economy, and preserving arts and culture as part of their city identity. The conclusion of the Indonesia City Expo 2026, which also concluded the APEKSI XVIII National Working Meeting (Rakernas) exhibition series in Medan, left a lasting impression of collaboration, creativity, and brotherhood among cities. This spirit is expected to continue through closer cooperation in realizing advanced, competitive, inclusive, and sustainable cities.