He said he has conveyed his willingness when speaking to regional leaders regarding the long-term development.
"Earlier, we had a talk with regional leaders. With the help from the central government, we will develop Nias Island as a whole package. Later, the regional leaders will convey to the president regarding priorities for Nias Island's development," Thohir said in a statement received here Sunday.
He added that one of the priorities was the tourism sector. The minister had proposed ideas to develop Nias Island as a hub for tourism like the ones in Labuan Bajo and Mandalika, or as an integrated marine area.
In addition, Thohir also emphasized the importance of developing the economic situation on the island as four districts on it were classified as underdeveloped compared to other districts and cities in North Sumatra Province.
"In Nias Island, there are four districts that are the lowest in terms of economy. If we look at it as part of North Sumatra Province, there are four districts whose economic conditions are the lowest of all districts'," he added.
Thohir received an honor from the people of Nias Island, in the form of acknowledgment of being part of the Zebua clan. With this honor, he is now considered a resident of Nias Island.
Besides an honor, the title he had received was a responsibility to assist the people of Nias Island to improve their economy immediately.
"It is an extraordinary honor for me to be part of the Zebua people and to be part of the people of Nias Island. Because of that, it is impossible for us to leave our brothers and sisters who are left behind in various regions," he disclosed.
The Nias customary title was awqrded to Thohir through a deliberation by traditional elders. Thohir said that the honorary title always goes hand in hand with responsibilities and devotion that must be carried out and maintained.
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Translator: Aji Cakti, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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