Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno assessed that investment by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Pulau Banyak, Aceh, signals revival of the tourism and creative economy sectors.
“We want this to become a signal for revival and the start of enthusiasm to build our tourism and creative economy. This is the largest in history, and we hope that this investment would bring prosperity for the people of Aceh,” Uno noted here, Tuesday.
The minister spoke of continually coordinating with the Aceh government for accelerating the realization of the US$500-million UAE investment in Pulau Banyak, Aceh Singkil District, Aceh.
The minister also spoke of his side currently making all necessary administration-related preparations and ensuring readiness of the central and regional governments to welcome the investment, for which the agreement is planned to be signed in Abu Dhabi in October 2021.
“The plan is that the governor of Aceh will visit Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, for the signing in front of President (Joko Widodo),” he noted.
Economic observer from Syiah Kuala University, Dr Muhammad Nasir, earlier assessed that the UAE’s investment plan in Pulau Banyak could increase job opportunities in Aceh and have a positive impact on Aceh’s economic growth.
“This investment is expected to increase job opportunities in Aceh, with the ultimate goal of contributing to reducing poverty that has been relatively high in Sumatra,” he stated.
Based on a report from Bank Indonesia, the open unemployment rate in Aceh as per February 2021 had reached 6.30 percent. Hence, with the investment, the unemployment rate is expected to continue to decline.
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