TARAKAN Play regional music and cheers the audience opened a warm atmosphere at the Tarakan Art & Convention Center (TACC).
In the midst of the sparkling local products and the enthusiasm of MSME players, the Deputy Governor of North Kalimantan (Kaltara) Ingkong Ala conveyed a sharp but hopeful message.
"The young generation must dare to become creators, not just job seekers," said Deputy Governor Ingkong.
According to him, the 2025 Continent Creative Works (KKB) grand event initiated by Bank Indonesia (BI) of North Kalimantan Province with the Provincial Government is not only a jargon, but a reflection of the future direction of the regional economy.
"Our young people must continue to be directed and encouraged to innovate, look for business opportunities, not just waiting for vacancies. The digital world opens up a lot of space that we can use according to the cultural character and regional potential," said Inkong Ala.
"Currently we are required to have a new mindset. Being a scholar is not enough, the younger generation must be able to create job opportunities through creativity and courage to take risks," he continued.
Ingkong Ala also highlighted the strategic role of MSMEs which now absorb more than 129,000 workers, or about 71 percent of the total non-farm workforce in Kaltara. Through KKB, the government wants to strengthen ecosystems that support small business actors to advance from class, from local to national to international.
"The Kaltara Provincial Government's commitment has been demonstrated through various programs, ranging from the facilitation of Intellectual Property Rights (HAKI) to the promotion of wastra and superior products to foreign markets such as China and Malaysia," he explained.
This year, KKB appeared fresher with a touch of the digital economy and cross-generational creativity. Not only featuring hundreds of products from regencies/cities throughout Kaltara, this event also presents E-sport competitions, copyright and brand forums, as well as cultural dance and video competitions that combine the values of tradition and modernity.
According to the Head of Bank Indonesia (BI) Representative for North Kalimantan Province, Hasiando Ginsar Manik through the Deputy Deputy for BI Kaltara, Seno Indarto said the theme this year was designed to grow an inclusive and sustainable economy.
"We want to encourage strong economic growth by strengthening the capabilities of MSMEs as well as preserving local culture. That is the typical value that has become Kaltara's economic strength," said Seno.
"This KKB has been held since 2020, now entering its sixth year. Each implementation brings a new spirit for fostered MSMEs and superior partners in the fashion, craft, culinary, and processed products sectors," said Seno.
Seno emphasized that this event was not only a exhibition venue, but also a collaboration stage between the business world, the government, and the younger generation.
"We hope that this activity will become a new magnet for the revival of the regional economy and make young people not just spectators of development, but the main driver of the creative economy in Kaltara," said Seno.
"Through this 2025 Continent Creative Work, we not only present the best work of MSME players and creative people of Kaltara, but also show a collaborative and innovative spirit that is the foundation of a resilient economy," he said.
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