VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Pekanbaru, Riau - Halal tourism that applies sharia principles in the sector would not change tourist attractions in areas with a non-Muslim majority, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has said. "In non-Muslim majority regions, services for Muslims tourists, both domestic and foreign, will be improved to make them more comfortable," Amin said in his working visit to Pekanbaru, Riau Friday.

Halal tourism would not change the tourist spots but the services for Muslim tourists would be improved, he reiterated.

"There will be no change, we still offer the same destination, the same beautiful nature, but there will be sharia-based services to make (Muslim) tourists comfortable," he added.

The government has encouraged the development of a sharia economy in regions hence local governments should demonstrate its seriousness on the issue.

"First, willingness. Second, preparedness. We will encourage them," Amin who is concurrently is the Chairman of the National Committee on Sharia Finance and Economy (KNEKS), said.

KNEKS has focused on four targets namely the industries of halal and finance, social funds such as alms and endowments, and the sharia business, he said.

"I support Riau to become a special sharia economic zone. People had requested investment (in Riau). I told them to wait for Riau's readiness," he added.

The administration was committed to imposing a sharia economy in the development of its economy and tourism sector, Riau Governor Syamsuar said.

The governor has issued a regulation on halal tourism that could be used as a guideline for operators to improve their services.

The halal tourism concept is aimed at attracting travelers from the Middle East countries, he said.

"In the banking sector, we have converted the conventional Bank Riau-Kepri into a sharia bank," Syamsuar said. (ANTARA)