Medan Welcomes Home Festival: A Boost for Local Businesses and Diaspora
Medan city, North Sumatra, is buzzing with excitement as the “Festival Pulang Kampung” (Homecoming Festival) returns for its second year. The event, held at the JW Marriott Hotel Medan on Sunday, february 2nd, aims to connect prosperous individuals from the diaspora with local businesses and opportunities.
The Medan City Government, under the leadership of Mayor Bobby Nasution, expressed its full support for the festival, recognizing its potential to drive economic growth and empower local entrepreneurs. Gelora kurnia Putra Ginting, Head of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Food Security, represented Mayor Nasution at the event, emphasizing the city’s commitment to fostering the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).”We hope that those who have achieved success abroad will contribute positively to their local communities here,” said Gelora. “We are focused on developing MSMEs and utilizing our natural resources to create valuable products that can be sold both domestically and internationally.”
The festival serves as a platform for individuals with entrepreneurial aspirations to connect with potential partners and investors.Velisia Sitanggang, Executive Director of the Indonesia Diaspora Network of Americas, highlighted the event’s aim to bridge the gap between prospect and access.”This is the second year of the festival, and we hope to make it an annual event,” explained Sitanggang. ”We want to bring together individuals who have the potential but may be struggling to find the right connections.”
Attendees were treated to a showcase of innovative products, including processed chocolate and creatively reimagined Batak cuisine. These offerings demonstrated the potential for local businesses to elevate their products and appeal to a wider market.
Time.News: “Medan Welcomes Home” Festival: A Boost for Local Businesses and Diaspora
Time.News Editor: Velisia, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today about the “Festival Pulang Kampung” in Medan. can you tell our readers more about this initiative and why it’s particularly relevant this year?
Velisia Sitanggang, Executive Director of the Indonesia Diaspora Network of Americas: Absolutely! The “Festival Pulang kampung” which translates to “Homecoming Festival”, is a fantastic opportunity to connect successful Indonesians from the diaspora with local businesses and investment opportunities in Medan.
Time.News Editor: What are the main objectives of the festival, and how does it aim to achieve them?
Velisia Sitanggang: We wont to bridge the gap between potential and access. Many talented individuals in the diaspora possess the skills and resources to make a important contribution back home, but they may lack the necessary connections or details. The festival acts as a platform to foster those connections and provide a space for collaboration and knowlege sharing.
Time.News Editor: the festival is being held at the JW Marriott Hotel Medan. what type of businesses are participating, and how can attendees get involved?
Velisia Sitanggang: The festival showcased a diverse range of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).We had attendees showcasing inventive products, from processed chocolate to modern interpretations of customary Batak cuisine. Individuals interested in investing or partnering with these businesses can network with the entrepreneurs directly at the festival.
Time.News Editor: We understand that the Medan City Government is very supportive of the festival.How are they contributing, and what impact do they foresee this festival having on the local economy?
Velisia Sitanggang: The city government, under Mayor Bobby Nasution, is a strong advocate for the festival.They see it as a key driver of economic growth and opportunity. Gelora kurnia Putra Ginting, Head of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Food Security, representing Mayor Nasution, emphasized the city’s focus on developing MSMEs and leveraging local resources to create internationally competitive products.
Time.News Editor: Looking ahead, are there plans to make this an annual event?
Velisia Sitanggang: Absolutely! This is the second year of the festival, and we are aiming to establish it as an annual event.We envision it as a growing platform that facilitates continued engagement between the diaspora and Medan, creating a ripple effect of positive impact.