Malang — The city of Malang is rapidly emerging as a national hub for Indonesia’s creative economy. Under the leadership of Mayor Wahyu Hidayat, the municipality has introduced the ambitious 1,000 Events program, designed to boost tourism, empower local communities, and strengthen Malang’s reputation as a creative capital.
The initiative is supported by significant investment, with the city allocating 7 billion rupiah annually to fund creative activities. At the heart of this transformation lies the Malang Creative Center (MCC), a seven‑story facility dedicated to nurturing 17 subsectors of the creative industry. In a groundbreaking move, the MCC has been entrusted directly to local creative communities, ensuring that innovation is driven from the grassroots.
During a recent visit by Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy, Wahyu emphasized that the MCC is open free of charge to all communities. “This center is a symbol of our commitment to empowering creative talent. We want Malang to be a place where ideas flourish and collaboration thrives,” he stated.
The results are already visible. The 1,000 Events program has significantly increased tourist arrivals, strengthened the local SME ecosystem, and created new opportunities for employment. Malang is now recognized as one of the most vibrant creative cities in East Java.
National recognition soon followed. At the detikJatim Awards 2025, Mayor Wahyu Hidayat received the accolade for Strengthening Creative Cities through the 1,000 Events Program, a testament to his vision and consistency in advancing Malang’s creative economy.
For Wahyu, leadership is not only about governance but about creating spaces for communities to thrive. His strategy positions Malang as a pillar of Indonesia’s creative economy, offering a model for other cities seeking to integrate public policy with community‑driven innovation.
Malang’s success story demonstrates how visionary leadership, strategic investment, and community empowerment can transform a city into a beacon of creativity and resilience.
