Malang, E Java (ANTARA News) - Some 98 mayors, accompanied by municipal officials from across the country, are congregating in Malang, East Java, for the 12th National Working Meeting of the All Indonesian Municipal Government Association (Apeksi) on July 18-23, 2017.

The working meeting of the 12th Apeksi 2017 in Malang City kicked off with a dinner party for all attendees, including Chair of Apeksi Airin Rachmi of Tangerang Selatan in the premises of Malang Citys office building on Tuesday evening.

Malang City Mayor Moch Anton, who hosted the event, noted in his address that the harmonious relations among the Indonesian mayors are an asset for all in bringing about regional development.

"Hence, I hope the working meeting this year would be able to produce various ideas for regional development plans and the government and societal programs in the respective region, so that public services in the concerned regions can be maximized to improve the peoples welfare," he affirmed.

He also expressed hope that the meeting would be able to formulate strategies to increase the regional competitive edge in the face of global competition.

"I hope this dinner party would help to usher in common understanding, synergy, and cooperation among regional government heads," he emphasized.

Flag carrier Garuda Indonesia will serve additional two-way flights on the Malang-Jakarta route to facilitate the national working meeting of Apeksi.

Garuda Indonesias Sales and Marketing Manager for Malang Muhammad Ardi Kurniadi remarked in a written statement on Tuesday that the additional flights of Garudas Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft will be operated.

"We (Garuda Indonesia) will serve three flights per day on July 18 and July 21, 2017. These flights comprise two regular flights and one additional one, with flight numbers GA2924 and GA2934," he revealed.

He said the additional flight is part of Garudas commitment to catering to the needs of the people and government for access to flight services for the Apeksi national working meeting and Indonesia City Expo 2017.

Kurniadi expressed hope that with the additional flights, the people, both Apeksi participants and tourists, would feel comfortable to fly directly to Malang.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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