JAKARTA – Makassar Mayor Moh. Ramdhan “Danny” Pomanto achieved a prestigious national award at the Apresiasi Tokoh Indonesia 2024 by Tempo Media.
The two-term Mayor of Makassar managed to get his name on the award in the Tourism and Cultural Preservation category.
The appreciation was given by the Director of PT Tempo Inti Media Harian Meiky Sofyansyah in an event held at Borobudur Hotel, Jakarta, Tuesday (10/9).
Danny Pomanto was grateful that the Makassar City Government received this appreciation again, with one of the driving factors being the organization of the F8 Makassar Festival.
The international festival combines various potential arts and culture in one series of events, namely food, fashion, fusion music, film, fine art, fiction writers, folks, flora and fauna in Makassar City.
This grand event is a forum for artists as well as a collaborative event for artists, cultural actors, and the general public.
In addition to art activities, F8 also presents a variety of culinary delights so that the creative market becomes a visitor attraction.
After receiving the award, Danny said that F8 started when Makassar was synonymous with rioting and demonstrations.
Therefore, he wanted the stigma to change. Now, Makassar has a new branding: The City of Waterfront Festival and The City of Good Food.
“After years of organization, F8 has successfully played a role in rebranding the city. From a demonstration city to a festival city,” said Danny in a short interview.
Another positive impact of F8 is that it has succeeded in boosting economic growth, especially MSMEs in Makassar.
It also participated in the Ministry of Tourism’s TOP 10 KEN list. As a result, the category of tourism and cultural preservation won by the Makassar City Government became worthy.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Komjen. Drs. Tomsi Tohir Balaw, who represented the Minister of Home Affairs, also gave high appreciation for this event.
He said that this is a tangible manifestation in contributing to their respective regions in their respective fields.
He hoped that this award is not only an annual ritual but also a means of sharing knowledge and experience on duty.
“This event is important as it recognises individuals who have contributed significantly to the nation,” said Komjen. Pol. Drs. Tomsi when giving his keynote speech on the sidelines of the event.
This event, he added, also serves as an inspiration for youth to advance various fields in Indonesia.
He directed those who received the award to pass on their programmes to their successors in greater detail and depth, in order the good things are not lost and have a replacement.
“Hopefully this award will inspire and contribute to the efforts to build the nation and state,” he hoped.
