VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Tanjung Kelayang Tourism Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was officially opened by President Joko Widodo last Thursday (14/3). This area is prepared to become a world-class destination and expected to contribute more foreign exchange from tourism sector. The tourism Special Economic Zone located on Belitung Island, Bangka Belitung Province was built in an area of 324 hectares wide and the investment target is worth Rp 10.3 trillion. The inauguration of the Special Economic Zone was marked by the signing of an inscription by President Joko Widodo. In a press release on Thursday, President Joko Widodo said that the existence of the Special Economic Zone contributes to national economic growth. The President said that he also plans to open other new Special Economic Zone. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Darmin Nasution said that the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone is developed as an instrument for the economic transformation of Bangka Belitung from tin mining to tourism community. It is projected to absorb nearly 24 thousand employees. In the future, Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone is ready to become a world-class tourist destination. He explained, the location of Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone is very strategic because Belitung Island is geographically located between Jakarta and Singapore, which is targeted as a captive target. So far, the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone has succeeded in attracting investment by presenting an international hotel network. Minister Darmin Nasution hopes that the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone can increase foreign exchange from the tourism sector. The Special Economic Zone is expected to be able to attract Rp 20 trillion in investment by 2025, and bring in 59,000 tourists per year with an economic value of Rp751.4 billion per year when this Special Economic Zone is fully operational. Meanwhile, Secretary of the Special Economic Zone National Council, Enoh Suharto Pranoto explained that in addition to the Tanjung Kelayang,  the National Council is currently reviewing two proposed Special Economic Zones in Bangka Belitung Province. They are Sungailiat in Bangka and Tanjung Gunung Regencies in Central Bangka Regency. Both of these are expected to be established sooner. He added that to make it easier for investors who want to invest, the government has issued a policy of Integrated Business Licensing System, which is also applied in Special Economic Zones.