The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Menparekraf/Kabaparekraf), Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, inaugurated the F8 or Makassar International Eight Festival and Forum 2023 on Wednesday (8/23/2023) at Anjungan Pantai Losari, Makassar, South Sulawesi. He emphasized that the event would bring world-class tourist attractions, aiming to attract a higher number of visitors. Minister Sandiaga stated that F8, which has been held since 2016, has experienced rapid growth. Moreover, this festival, which showcases creative economy actors in South Sulawesi such as music, fashion, culinary, and performing arts, has been included in the Kemenparekraf event calendar, Kharisma Event Nusantara.

"F8 is becoming more and more attractive and a world-class attraction every day, and this is what we want to showcase because F8 has been chosen as part of Kharisma Event Nusantara," said Minister Sandiaga. He believes that F8 could serve as inspiration for other regions in Indonesia to host similar events. Sandiaga believes that the presence of internationally acclaimed events like F8 can attract foreign tourists (foreign visitors). He is confident that with the presence of such internationally acclaimed events, the target of 8.5 million foreign tourist visits in 2023 can be achieved. "(F8 is) the best waterfront festival in the world. This will drive our tourism and can create business opportunities and jobs," he stated.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Makassar and Initiator of F8, Mohammad Ramdhan Pomanto, stated that F8 is not just an annual event for the city of Makassar. Instead, F8 represents the progress of Indonesia's civilization. "F8 signifies globalization. A local idea that has gone global, and it's our collective pride," said Danny, his nickname. F8 Makassar 2023 is held from August 23 to 27, 2023. Visitors can access the F8 Makassar area starting from 3:00 PM WITA by purchasing an entry ticket priced at Rp 20,000.

During the opening ceremony, Minister Sandiaga was accompanied by Deputy of Tourism Products and Event Organizers at Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf, Vinsensius Jemadu; and Special Staff of the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy for Accountability, Oversight, Reform, and Bureaucracy, Police Inspector General Krisnandi. Representatives from the South Sulawesi Forkopimda, all regents and mayors from South Sulawesi, the Mayor of Bogor, Bima Arya Sugiarto; and representatives from friendly countries' consulates general also attended the event.