East Jakarta Seeks New Generation of Tourism and Cultural Ambassadors
SUARA NEGERI | JAKARTA — East Jakarta Mayor Munjirin officially opened the 2026 East Jakarta Abang None Selection in the Sri Gunting Room (Pala Room), East Jakarta Mayor's Office, on Saturday (June 6, 2026).
The event, which served as a search for East Jakarta's tourism and cultural ambassadors, was attended by 362 participants who met the administrative requirements and selection criteria. This number consisted of 111 participants in the Abang category and 251 participants in the None category, an increase compared to the 2025 competition.
Munjirin stated that the Abang None Selection is not just a competition, but also a means of self-development for the younger generation to enhance their insight, communication skills, and awareness of regional culture and tourism.
"Hopefully, this year, Abang will still have the East Jakarta I desire, and of course, Miss East Jakarta," said Munjirin.
He hopes the selected participants will become partners with the East Jakarta City Government in promoting regional potential, including in culture, tourism, and the creative economy.
"After selecting 15 finalist pairs and receiving various training from the jury, I hope they can coordinate and synergize with the East Jakarta City Government to explore and promote East Jakarta's potential," he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the East Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Sub-Department, Yayang, explained that the current selection process is the first stage of the 2026 East Jakarta Abang None Selection.
According to him, all participants have met the established requirements, including being 18–25 years old, having a minimum high school/vocational high school education, a minimum height of 170 centimeters for the Abang category and 165 centimeters for the None category, having family approval, and being unmarried.
In the initial stage, participants will undergo a series of selection processes, including height and weight measurements and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Through focus group discussions (FGDs), a panel of judges will assess the participants' communication skills, express opinions, and respond to various emerging issues.
From this stage, 60 semifinalists will be selected, announced through the official social media channels of Parekraf Timur and Abang None East Jakarta.
Next, in the second stage, the 60 semifinalists will participate in individual interviews with seven judges. The assessment results will determine the 15 finalists for Abang None East Jakarta 2026.
"The 15 finalists will then participate in a series of activities, including psychological testing, material preparation, choreography practice, tourist destination introductions, public speaking training, community service, and a get-together. The entire series will culminate in the Final Night of the Abang None East Jakarta 2026 Election, scheduled for Friday, July 24, 2026," explained Yayang.
Through this event, the East Jakarta City Government hopes to develop a generation of young people capable of representing the region and playing an active role in promoting East Jakarta's culture, tourism, and creative economy to the wider community. (R/07/hms)
