- Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin met Deputy Foreign Minister Muhammad Anis Matta to explore cooperation with the Foreign Ministry to promote the city’s tourism and maritime sectors internationally.
- The city plans to host “Diplomat Day in Makassar” in May or June 2026, aiming to showcase Makassar as eastern Indonesia’s maritime gateway and a marine tourism destination.
- Officials said the Foreign Ministry is prioritizing Makassar, NTT and NTB for promotion beyond Bali, with particular focus on attracting Middle Eastern tourists and investment, including interest in the Losari Beach area.
The Makassar city administration is exploring cooperation with Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) to strengthen the tourism and maritime sectors. The two sectors are considered among Makassar’s leading strengths.
The potential partnership was discussed during an official visit by Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin to the Foreign Ministry’s office on Jl. Pejambon No. 6, Central Jakarta, on Monday (Jan. 26, 2026).
During the meeting, Munafri was accompanied by Makassar City Secretariat Cooperation Division head Andi Zulfitra Dianta and Makassar City Secretariat Protocol Division head Andi Ardi Rahadian. The delegation was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Muhammad Anis Matta.
Munafri said the meeting marked an initial step for the city administration to collaborate through diplomatic networks.
He said the Foreign Ministry would help promote Makassar’s tourism potential and maritime strengths on the international stage. “Through overseas promotions and exhibitions facilitated by the Foreign Ministry, Makassar has an opportunity to present itself as a strategic coastal city. Our tourism appeal—including iconic sunset experiences—can be promoted abroad,” Munafri said.
As a strategic step, an international-level agenda titled “Diplomat Day in Makassar” will serve as a meeting platform between local governments and foreign representatives.
The event is also expected to be attended by diplomatic missions from various countries. It is scheduled to take place in May or June 2026. The concept is to introduce Makassar’s flagship potential directly, particularly in tourism and maritime affairs.
“Through Diplomat Day in Makassar, foreign diplomats are expected to see, experience and understand Makassar’s strategic position as the maritime gateway to eastern Indonesia, as well as a marine tourism destination with strong appeal,” he said.
Andi Zulfitra said the deputy foreign minister viewed Makassar’s strategic position as highly promising for growth as an international business and tourism hub. He added that the Foreign Ministry is currently initiating the development of economic and tourism areas across eastern Indonesia as alternative destinations beyond Bali.
Within this framework, Makassar, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) have been prioritized for more intensive promotion in global markets. “The Foreign Ministry’s development focus is directed at reaching Middle Eastern markets, which are considered to have significant potential in both investment and tourist arrivals,” he said.
As a follow-up, the deputy foreign minister has proposed inviting ambassadors from Middle Eastern countries posted in Indonesia to visit Makassar. The visit is expected to open opportunities for concrete cooperation in tourism, investment and the development of economic zones.
Anis Matta also highlighted Makassar’s tourism potential, particularly the Losari Beach area and its surroundings. The landmark waterfront is seen as having a distinct appeal due to its historical and cultural value, as well as its unique coastal landscape that could attract more international visitors. “In Makassar, Losari Beach and its surrounding area have a strong story and character. This is an added value that is very attractive to international tourists, particularly from the Middle East,” he added.
He said the opportunity should serve as an important momentum for the Makassar city administration to strengthen cooperation and collaboration with international partners in advancing sustainable regional development.
He expressed hope that the cooperation would accelerate Makassar’s development, particularly through tourism as one of the city’s leading sectors. With the opportunity to reach Middle Eastern markets through the Foreign Ministry’s support, the Makassar city administration expressed appreciation and full readiness to support the central government’s policy.
“Makassar’s tourism sector is one of our main strengths. Support from the Foreign Ministry will provide new energy for us to expand tourism markets and strengthen Makassar’s position internationally,” Munafri said.
Indonesianpost.com | Tribun Makassar