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Medan<\/strong> \u2013 Global geopolitical uncertainty, climate change, narrowing fiscal space, and accelerating digital transformation have become major challenges facing nearly all city governments in Indonesia. Amidst this complexity, cities are required not only to survive, but also to adapt, innovate, and build collaborations to maintain public service quality while driving sustainable economic growth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This awareness became the common thread of the XVIII National Working Meeting (Rakernas<\/em>) of the Association of Indonesia Municipalities (APEKSI), held from June 28 to July 4, 2026, in Medan. Carrying the theme \u201cResilient Cities, Sovereign Nation,\u201d<\/strong> this year\u2019s Rakernas served not only as a consolidation forum for city mayors, but also as a shared space to formulate solutions for urban challenges across six thematic forums involving the central government, city governments, academia, the business sector, civil society organizations, and youth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The six forums were:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Each forum generated sector-specific recommendations, all converging toward a single goal: standing resilient together against future challenges.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n APEKSI Executive Director, Alwis Rustam, explained that the recommendations approved in the Mayors’ Plenary Session were the culmination of a multi-stakeholder process throughout the Rakernas series.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe various recommendations agreed upon in the Mayors’ Plenary Session are complemented by key ideas generated from thematic forums held from June 28 to July 2 across various locations in Medan. These were conducted respectively by Bappeda heads, heads of Environmental Agencies, heads of Communication and Digital Agencies, heads of food security-related agencies, chairs of the PKK\/Dekranasda Mobilization Team, and creative young people from across Indonesia,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n According to Alwis, today’s urban challenges can no longer be resolved through a single approach. Hence, the XVIII APEKSI Rakernas was designed as a collaborative space bringing together diverse perspectives to yield complementary recommendations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCities face increasingly complex challenges. Therefore, solutions must also be built collectively. These forums demonstrate that regulatory strengthening, digital transformation, investment, the environment, food security, and youth involvement form a unified whole in building resilient cities,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This spirit aligns with the view of the Chairman of the APEKSI Executive Board and Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi, who emphasized that urban resilience is not built by a single party, but through a spirit of sharing and mutual reinforcement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhen the strengths of one city are shared with another, that is where APEKSI becomes a common home. We speak up, but we do not complain. We deliver solutions and provide constructive input to the central government,\u201d Eri said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Strengthening Regulatory Foundations and Regional Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The foundation of urban resilience begins with regulations that empower local governments to maneuver, innovate, and respond to community needs. On this basis, the Forum of Bappeda Heads of Cities Across Indonesia (BAKTI Forum) positioned the strengthening of governance and central-regional financial relations as strategic priorities, particularly amidst ongoing discussions regarding the revision of Law No. 23 of 2014 on Regional Government.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The discussion forum, held on June 30, 2026, in Medan, identified the regulatory revision as a crucial opportunity to reinforce regional autonomy, clarify the division of governmental authority, and establish a more equitable fiscal relationship for city governments.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A set of key recommendations was agreed upon, including:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Head of the Regional Planning, Research, and Innovation Agency (Bapperida) of Depok City, Dadang Wihana, stated that these recommendations stemmed from the real-world experiences of city governments in implementing national policies, which are frequently confronted with highly diverse local conditions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for national policies to accommodate the diversity of regional capacities. Implementing Minimum Service Standards cannot be standardized when every city’s fiscal capacity differs. The momentum of revising the Regional Government Law must be seized to deliver policies that are more adaptive to regional needs,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This perspective received a positive response from the central government. Director of Regional Head and Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Facilitation at the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Directorate General of Regional Autonomy, Deddy Winarwan, stated that the central government is preparing various policy refinements to strengthen decentralization.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe policy direction being prepared includes performance-based decentralization, strengthening the role of regencies and cities, positioning provinces as regional integrators, asymmetric decentralization, and redesigning the division of governmental affairs. Input from city governments through this forum serves as a vital component in this refinement process,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Proposals also came from Agus Herdyana, Head of Bapperida of Cirebon City. He suggested that city governments be involved through APEKSI in formulating and evaluating formulas for Regional Financial Capacity (KKD) and Transfers to Regions (TKD), turning them into an integrated fiscal capacity indicator used consistently across all ministries and agencies.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The BAKTI Forum also emphasized that strengthening regulation is not merely about solving administrative issues. Adaptive regulation will serve as the foundation for city governments to bolster other development sectors\u2014ranging from digital transformation and investment to environmental management and food security.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Strengthening Resilience in Strategic Sectors<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A strong regulatory foundation is a prerequisite for city governments to act adaptively. However, urban resilience does not stop at governance. Cities must also possess the capacity to respond to change by strengthening strategic sectors, ranging from digital transformation to quality investment capable of generating sustainable economic growth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Digital Transformation for Adaptive Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Advancements in digital technology have reshaped how governments serve the public. Therefore, the Communication and Digital Forum (Komdigi) highlighted that digital transformation must be understood as a comprehensive shift in governance, rather than mere service digitization.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The forum, conducted as a workshop on July 1\u20132, 2026, in Medan, highlighted the importance of continuous coordination between central and regional governments in implementing the Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE), accelerating national and regional data integration, boosting cybersecurity capabilities, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in governance, setting national public communication standards, and strengthening technical assistance for local governments.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Director of Local Digital Government Technology Acceleration at the Ministry of Communication and Digital, Aris Kurniawan, noted that the next phase of digital transformation should no longer be measured by the sheer number of applications a local government has, but by the quality of governance established.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUp until now, we have concentrated heavily on services and applications. Over the next five years, our focus will be on strengthening digital governance and management through more intensive technical support. To that end, we are preparing the Digital Government Clinic so that local governments can grow together according to their maturity levels,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n According to Aris, institutional capacity building will be key to ensuring that digital transformation delivers tangible benefits to the public while accelerating data-driven decision-making.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This view was echoed by Head of the Communication and Information Agency of Makassar City, Muhammad Roem, who noted that successful digital transformation depends not only on technology, but also on the government’s ability to build credible public communication.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIn the digital era, the speed of information must be balanced with public trust. Good data needs to be conveyed through good communication. That way, government policies can be more easily understood and gain public support,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The forum also underscored the importance of enhancing human resource capabilities, cultivating a collaborative digital governance culture, and expanding knowledge-sharing practices between cities to achieve more balanced digital transformation across regions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Driving Quality Investment to Strengthen City Economies<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A maturing digital transformation is expected to create a more efficient, transparent, and competitive business environment. Ultimately, however, a city’s competitiveness is defined by its ability to attract quality investment that delivers real benefits to citizens.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Concurrently with the Komdigi Forum in Medan, the Business and Investment Forum was convened. Through this platform, city governments agreed that investment success can no longer be measured solely by the total value of investment realization, but must also account for its contributions to job creation, MSME empowerment, technology transfer, regional competitiveness, and environmental sustainability.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Accordingly, the forum recommended:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Investment & Business Development Expert, Fajar Informanto, noted that the paradigm for investment development needs to shift from mere promotion to building an ecosystem capable of attracting investors sustainably.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cToday, a local government’s task is no longer just printing investment brochures. Far more important is building a city that is investable. When governance, legal certainty, infrastructure, and the business ecosystem are solid, investors will come naturally,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He added that every city possesses distinct competitive advantages, meaning investment strategies cannot be standardized.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo not race to become like another city. Identify your unique strengths, build an identity, and bring in investments that align with the city’s character,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This spirit of cross-city learning was shared by forum participants. Head of DPMPTSP Banda Aceh City, M. Ichsan, stated that the forum offered valuable opportunities for city governments to adopt best practices tailored to their local contexts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe gained many new perspectives on how regions can build a healthy and sustainable investment climate. Other cities’ experiences serve as inspiration to continuously strengthen our local investment services,\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Through this forum, APEKSI reaffirmed that investment is not merely a tool for raising economic growth figures, but an instrument to strengthen urban resilience, expand employment opportunities, and enhance long-term public welfare.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Building Resilience through the Environment and Food Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Economic growth and technological progress yield long-term value only when supported by a healthy environment and resilient food systems. Thus, the 2026 Environmental Forum and National Food Forum for City Governments placed sustainability at the core of urban development. The Environmental Forum was held on June 30, 2026, while the Food Forum took place on June 29, 2026, both in Medan as part of the XVIII APEKSI Rakernas series.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Environment as an Investment in the City’s Future<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Amid escalating climate change threats, increasing hydrometeorological disasters, and complex waste management issues, city governments agreed that environmental management can no longer be treated as a purely sectoral task. A well-preserved environment is a prerequisite for both urban resilience and public well-being.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Environmental Forum produced key strategic recommendations, including:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mayor of Medan, Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas, reminded participants that environmental issues should no longer be viewed as secondary items on the development agenda.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe environment is no longer just about cleanliness. Today, it determines public health, city competitiveness, and our resilience against various crises. Therefore, commitments made in this forum must be translated into real action in our respective regions,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Echoing this sentiment, Vice Chair of the APEKSI Executive Board for Environment and Climate Change and Mayor of Banda Aceh, Illiza Sa\u2019aduddin Djamal, stressed that Indonesian cities face varied challenges, requiring environmental solutions built on collaboration and peer learning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cResilience does not mean never facing a disaster. Resilience is the capacity to rise, learn, reduce risks, and strengthen collaboration so that communities are better prepared for future challenges,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This perspective was supported by insights from island\/archipelagic city governments. Head of the Environmental Agency of Ternate City, Musli Mohamad, emphasized that the forum provided an essential platform to voice the needs of geographically distinct regions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWaste management in archipelagic cities comes with distinct challenges. Hence, we hope national policies allow regions the flexibility to implement solutions tailored to their geography, fiscal capacity, and resource limits,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Food Security Starts in Cities<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition to the environment, food security has emerged as a crucial issue amidst rapid urbanization, climate shifts, and national supply chain dynamics. Although traditionally seen primarily as consumption hubs, cities are increasingly recognized for their pivotal role in building resilient food systems through innovation, collaboration, and improved governance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The 2026 National Food Forum for City Governments recommended:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Vice Minister of Home Affairs, Bima Arya Sugiarto, noted that city governments hold an increasingly strategic position in supporting national food security.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCities must not merely consume food. Cities should pioneer innovation, build inter-regional networks, streamline distribution, and offer practical solutions so citizens enjoy reliable access to quality food,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This perspective was welcomed by Head of the Food Security Agency of Tual City, Darnawati Amir, who highlighted the value of the forum as an exchange platform for diverse regions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThis forum brings together the interests of city governments, including archipelagic areas like Tual. We can learn from other cities while sharing our own challenges so they are included in national recommendations,\u201d she expressed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n These ideas were further illustrated by practices implemented by the Surakarta City Government. Mayor of Surakarta, Respati Ardi, explained that urban food issues extend beyond production and distribution to encompass effective food utilization through collaborative action.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThrough ‘Food Sharing’ innovations and digital technology, Surakarta is building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food ecosystem. Collaboration is key to strengthening food security, reducing food waste, and delivering real benefits to the community,\u201d Respati said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Notably, this year marked the first time food security was specifically addressed in a dedicated forum during the Rakernas event, in partnership with Rikolto.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Strengthening Collaboration, Engaging Youth as Development Partners<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adaptive regulations, digitized governance, quality investment, environmental sustainability, and resilient food systems become truly meaningful only when driven by collaborative action. Hence, the XVIII APEKSI Rakernas went beyond discussions among regional leaders and government officials, creating dedicated space for the younger generation to shape the future of cities through Youth City Changers (YCC).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Unlike other forums centered on sectoral policy, YCC positions young people as development partners who bring fresh ideas, energy, and perspectives to urban challenges. Held from June 28 to 30, 2026, in Medan, the youth forum recommended:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Vice Minister of Home Affairs, Bima Arya Sugiarto, commended the growth of Youth City Changers, noting its increasing maturity over the years.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI want to commend APEKSI because Youth City Changers today is significantly better than it was five years ago. They are not just future leaders; they are today’s leaders. Involve them in designing urban layouts, drafting policies, and delivering solutions for their cities,\u201d Bima urged.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For participants, YCC was a platform to demonstrate that urban resilience stems from diverse perspectives, including local culture and lived experiences.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kendari City delegate, Gaharu Intra Bijani, highlighted the Wekoila<\/em> philosophy from Tolaki culture through a creative cosplay performance. To her, the values of courage, leadership, and mutual assistance (gotong royong<\/em>) embedded in the culture directly reflect urban resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to show that women also have a place to lead and contribute to solutions. A city’s resilience is born when everyone is given the opportunity to contribute according to their abilities,\u201d she shared.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A similar perspective was shared by Denpasar City delegate I Gede Sakha Ari Wibawa, who presented the character Rangda<\/em> as a symbol of rising above adversity.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTo me, resilience isn’t about never experiencing a crisis, but about continuously adapting, maintaining balance, and bouncing back after facing difficulties. That is the value I wished to convey through the spirit of Rangda<\/em>,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n From Commitment to Action<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chairman of the APEKSI Executive Board, Eri Cahyadi, emphasized that the compiled recommendations were not intended as a list of regional grievances. Rather, they reflect city governments’ commitment to ensuring national strategic programs are executed effectively on the ground.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mayor of Medan, Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas, called on all city governments to ensure that these recommendations transition beyond written documents into concrete action.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe must not let our formulations remain mere rhetoric. From commitment, let us move to actionable steps that can be implemented to deliver real benefits to our cities,\u201d he urged.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Similarly, Bima Arya noted that urban challenges will continuously evolve. Therefore, APEKSI’s greatest asset lies not only in the collective experience of its mayors, but in the enduring culture of collaboration built over time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe are proud to see regional leaders who choose to roll up their sleeves rather than complain. Resilience cannot be achieved alone. Resilience comes from skill in collaborating and co-creating with diverse stakeholders. What sets APEKSI apart is its spirit of camaraderie, brotherhood, and togetherness. That tradition must be preserved, for therein lies our strength in navigating increasingly complex challenges,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He added that the Ministry of Home Affairs stands ready to facilitate inputs and agreements from plenary sessions, as well as recommendations generated across all forums during the XVIII APEKSI Rakernas.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Through its six thematic forums, the XVIII APEKSI Rakernas reaffirmed that building resilient cities cannot rely on a single policy or sector alone. True resilience emerges when regulations foster innovation, strategic sectors are reinforced, and all stakeholders move forward together in a spirit of collaboration.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n From Medan, Indonesian cities returned home with more than just a set of recommendations\u2014they carried a shared commitment to learn from one another, strengthen one another, and continuously innovate for their communities. A resilient city is not one that faces challenges in isolation, but one that grows together, shares experiences, and advances collectively toward a more progressive, inclusive, and sovereign Indonesia.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Contact Person:<\/strong><\/p>\n Devy Munir, Manager of Strategic Communications, APEKSI<\/p>\n Email:<\/strong> info@apeksi.id<\/p>\n Website:<\/strong> apeksi.id<\/p>\n Microsite:<\/strong> apeksi.id\/rakernas2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Medan \u2013 Global geopolitical uncertainty, climate change, narrowing fiscal space, and accelerating digital transformation have become major challenges facing nearly all city governments in Indonesia. Amidst this complexity, cities … \n
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