The Association of Indonesian District Governments (Apkasi) launched an annual program titled Apkasi Autonomy Expo 2022, Trade, Tourism & Investment with the hashtag #AOE2022. The event with the theme “Restore the Regional Economy Through Local and Global Networks” took place at Le Polonia Hotel, Medan City, North Sumatra Province, Wednesday (17/11/2021). The AOE2022 launching ceremony was carried out together accompanied by conveti shots and the beating of gongs led by the General Chairperson of Apkasi, Sutan Riska Tuanku Kingdom, which was attended by 36 regents, 11 deputy regents and representatives from the district government who attended offline. "As directed by Mr. President Joko Widodo when he opened the 2021 Autonomy Expo at the Bogor Presidential Palace, he has appreciated Apkasi's steps to start moving the wheels of the economy in the region through expo activities. Along with that, of course we also continue to support the central government's efforts to expand the distribution of vaccinations so as to accelerate community immunity in the community," said Sutan Riska, who is also the Regent of Dharmasraya, in a written statement.

According to Sutan Riska, the government's hard efforts in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to restore the national economy are starting to appear in a positive direction. This is marked by the increasingly visible and increasing activity of the community, the pandemic outbreak can be controlled day by day, the mass vaccination efforts are also expanding, so that there is an increase in world trade activities, exports and imports. "Alhamdulillah, the government's very comprehensive handling of the pandemic has brought encouraging results. In fact, according to the Central Statistics Agency, Indonesia's economic growth until the third quarter of this year alone has grown positively, reaching 3.51 percent," he continued. Apkasi, said Sutan Riska, has a moral responsibility to provide solutions and help solve them. In accordance with its role, Apkasi tries to help facilitate all its members including 416 district governments throughout Indonesia to promote various advantages of trading commodities, tourist destinations and investment potential through this expo activity.

Sutan Riska then said, in mid-October 2021, with the support of all parties, finally, even in the midst of the pandemic, his party was able to carry out the 2021 Autonomy Expo application by implementing strict health protocols. "The activity which lasted for three days, thank God, went well and was quite successful by successfully recording transactions in the form of investments worth Rp. 11.3 trillion and US$ 200 million. This result is, of course, expected to be very helpful in efforts to revive the regional economy, "he said while invites the Regents to take an active role in the implementation of the AOE 2022 next year. Meanwhile, the Mayor of Medan, Bobby Nasution, expressed his appreciation to Apkasi who chose Medan as the venue for the event. "We hope that the presence of the regents, deputy regents and representatives of the district government who are present can increase economic activity in the city of Medan. We in the government and on behalf of the people of Medan welcome you ladies and gentlemen, hopefully Medan can provide a pleasant experience, "he said.

While the Executive Director of Apkasi Sarman Simanjorang added, Apkasi Autonomy Expo which is an agenda for the district government to showcase the superior potential of the region in the form of agricultural, plantation, mining, creative industries, tourism and so on. In addition, AOE is also a forum for district governments to offer various investment opportunities in the region to potential investors both from within the country and from abroad which are packaged in business forums. "After the success of the 2021 AOE by implementing the CHSE procedure and strict health protocols, this shows the world that Indonesia is ready to face changes in new activities and habits or the new normal. Once the sails expand, never recede back. Life must go on," he said. The implementation of AOE 2021, continued Sarman, has also received the spotlight from various parties, especially players in the Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition (MICE) industry and has become a benchmark for exhibitors because AOE 2021 is a pioneer of the exhibition which was first held at the Jakarta Convention Convention Center. Center during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: https://infopublik.id/kategori/nasional-politik-hukum/582278/pulihkan-ekonomi-apkasi-luncurkan-aeo-2022#