El ministro cita las proyecciones de la Copa del Mundo como un impulso para las economías locales

Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Maman Abdurrahman stated that public screenings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Indonesia boosted local economies, according to Antara News. The screenings, organized by state-run television TVRI, were made available free of charge through TVRI Nasional and TVRI Sports channels, allowing widespread access. These events reportedly led to increased sales of food, beverages, and other goods from small businesses, particularly in cafes that hosted match viewings. The minister highlighted that this strategy proved effective in drawing more customers and stimulating economic activity across various regions. The World Cup screenings took place nationwide, with the final match being screened at the MSME Ministry in Jakarta. This event was attended by online taxi drivers, a group the ministry aims to support through empowerment programs. The minister emphasized the need for collaboration between the government, drivers, and platform companies to enhance policies that benefit gig workers. He also mentioned that the event was arranged at the request of driver communities, with Deputy Minister Helvi Yuni Moraza present to reinforce President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of MSMEs and ride-hailing drivers. The MSME Ministry’s initiative aimed to foster unity among business operators and promote economic resilience. Moraza reiterated the importance of strengthening the MSME ecosystem, noting that online taxi drivers play a crucial role within it. The minister also stressed the significance of building trust and synergy between different stakeholders to ensure the success of such initiatives. The World Cup screenings served as a demonstration of how public engagement can drive economic growth, especially for smaller enterprises. Meanwhile, in Berau, East Kalimantan, the Pemapak Hot Springs have emerged as a promising tourist destination, drawing thousands of visitors annually. Deputy Regent Gamalis noted that the site’s natural hot springs remain underdeveloped in terms of infrastructure and accommodations, presenting opportunities for expansion. During the Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 holidays, the attraction saw around 4,500 visitors, rising to approximately 5,600 after renovations completed in early 2026. Investment support is viewed as critical to unlocking the site’s full potential, with Gamalis hoping for additional partnerships and funding to enhance the region’s tourism offerings. Interest in the Pemapak Hot Springs has been sparked by a visit from Seychelles President’s Special Envoy to ASEAN, Nico Barito, who expressed enthusiasm for developing the site into a sustainable tourism destination. Barito emphasized the importance of integrating local narratives and cultural elements into the visitor experience, arguing that a compelling story enhances tourist appeal and encourages repeat visits. He called for the inclusion of community-driven experiences, suggesting that tourism should focus on both natural beauty and cultural authenticity to stand out globally. Additionally, the Indonesian Culture Ministry is working with Garuda Indonesia and InJourney to improve air connectivity to cultural sites, aiming to boost tourism and preserve heritage. Culture Minister Fadli Zon highlighted the necessity of better transportation links to maximize the country’s cultural appeal. Revitalized historical sites such as Borobudur and Prambanan require enhanced accessibility to attract more visitors, both domestically and internationally. Garuda Indonesia is evaluating route expansions and fleet adjustments to facilitate travel to key cultural hubs, while InJourney sees Yogyakarta as a potential leader in cultural tourism, comparable to Bali. These developments underscore broader efforts to leverage major sporting events, natural attractions, and cultural heritage to stimulate economic growth. By focusing on diverse sectors, ranging from sports-related commerce to sustainable tourism, the Indonesian government aims to diversify income streams and empower local communities. As these initiatives progress, they reflect a strategic approach to fostering resilience and innovation within the nation’s economic framework.