Kendari, Indonesia – The Kendari City Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Disparekraf) is optimistic that the recent Celebes Photo Exhibition, organized by LKBN ANTARA's Southeast Sulawesi Bureau, will serve as a catalyst for the city's creative community.

Yasrin Vior, Head of Creative Economy Actor Development at Disparekraf Kendari, expressed hope that the exhibition, held in the Kali Kadia area, would motivate the 16 sub-sectors of the creative economy to become more active.

"We hope this exhibition can become a catalyst for our friends in the 17 sub-sectors of the creative economy to take action. As I see it, this is the first activity from the photography community, and hopefully, it will be a trigger for all communities to get involved," Vior said.

She emphasized the importance of such positive and educational events in introducing the face and culture of Southeast Sulawesi Province, especially Kendari City, to a wider audience.

"The essence of introducing something is through exhibitions like this. If people want to fall in love with a place, they need to know it first. And getting to know it is done through exhibitions," she added.

Vior also expressed her hope for continued collaboration between the local government, businesses, and the 17 sub-sectors of the creative economy to brand Kendari as a cool city or "Kendari Keren."

"One of the ways to do this is through photographers, culinary arts, applications, music, and literacy (all 17 sub-sectors of the creative economy). If the presence of photographers in Kendari City is already quite visible, and many of their works present Southeast Sulawesi, especially Kendari City, that's a good sign," Vior explained.

Meanwhile, Zabur Karuru, Head of LKBN ANTARA's Southeast Sulawesi Bureau, expressed hope that the local government would continue to support positive activities carried out by all communities in Kendari City and Southeast Sulawesi Province.

"Hopefully, this can continue to introduce the face, traditions, culture, and tourism of Kendari City, and even the entire Southeast Sulawesi Province," Karuru said.

He explained that his office is always ready to collaborate and exchange ideas on various activities that can uplift the potential of the region.