Makassar Selected as Global Hub for Digital Innovation in 2026

Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, has officially secured its place as one of ten Indonesian cities designated for the Garuda Spark Innovation Hub (GSIH) Global Hub 2026 program. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication and Digital, is designed to expedite the nation's digital transformation and integrate local capabilities into a worldwide innovation network.

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The most important aspect of this ecosystem is sharing responsibility. The future of the digital ecosystem is not solely the government's duty, but a collective responsibility.

Mayor Munafri Arifuddin welcomed the selection, emphasizing that Makassar's participation will create avenues for Indonesian cities to connect with a broader innovation ecosystem. "The most important aspect of this ecosystem is sharing responsibility. The future of the digital ecosystem is not solely the government's duty, but a collective responsibility," stated Arifuddin in an official release.

Arifuddin highlighted his presence at the GSIH launch in Jakarta as a commitment to observing the advancements in Indonesia's digital ecosystem, which prioritizes connectivity, collaboration, innovation, and competitiveness. "We are here to witness a new step in building an Indonesian digital ecosystem that is connected, collaborative, and globally competitive," he asserted.

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We are here to witness a new step in building an Indonesian digital ecosystem that is connected, collaborative, and globally competitive.

The GSIH is envisioned as more than just a meeting place for technology stakeholders; it aims to be a platform that unites various strengths within the digital ecosystem to foster innovations and solutions with tangible societal impact. The Mayor stressed that developing this digital ecosystem necessitates a division of roles and responsibilities among all parties. With Makassar now a GSIH hub, Arifuddin anticipates increased opportunities for collaboration, digital talent development, innovation, creative economy growth, and the strengthening of technology-based SMEs within the city. The Makassar city government pledges to continue fostering collaborative spaces that bring together government, communities, businesses, academics, industries, and the youth to create innovations relevant to societal needs. "This step strengthens Makassar's development direction as a city adaptive to technological advancements and capable of playing a role in the national digital economy ecosystem," Arifuddin concluded.

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This step strengthens Makassar's development direction as a city adaptive to technological advancements and capable of playing a role in the national digital economy ecosystem.