(Tap into) opportunities in the economic sector and sharia finance, given the large market potential…Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has urged district governments to create innovative regional policies on budget spending to boost the economy.
He delivered the statement at the opening of the National Work Meeting X of the Association of District Governments, in Tangerang, Banten, on Thursday.
"At this good moment, I want to say some things. First, district government is expected to consistently improve ideas and innovative measures, both in terms of policies and efficient budget use, so as to push, boost for an inclusive, sustainable regional economic growth," he said.
He urged district governments to ensure effective and accountable program implementation down to the smallest levels of government, such as sub-districts and villages, considering those levels are the closest to the people.
He also asked district governments to consistently promote a healthy regional-scale business ecosystem, which welcomes investors, and improve local supply chains and market access in order to expand their presence to the national and global market, as well as bolster the promotion of village commodities in various markets through digital platforms.
He said that district governments must focus on superior commodities' upstream and downstream in an integrated manner.
"(Tap into) opportunities in the economic sector and sharia finance, given the large market potential that is consistently developing," Amin added.
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District governments' contribution to economic development and sharia finance will determine national success in achieving the goal of Indonesia becoming a world halal center by 2024, he stressed.
The Vice President also asked district governments to use the 2023 Association of District Governments Autonomy Expo — which was hosted on the sidelines of the meeting — to promote regional tourist destinations and top investment projects, ranging from halal products and services, like food, beverages, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, and halal tourism.
"So many districts have potential (for) tourism that can be developed to attract investors to develop creative economy, create job vacancies, and improve locals' income, while also preserving local culture," he said.
He asked everyone to establish a sustainable tourism business. According to him, halal tourism is worth developing, since the number of Muslim travelers has continued to increase, reaching 110 million in 2022.
"Lastly, improve human resources quality in your respective areas. Push stunting reduction rate until it reaches the target of 14 percent stunting prevalence rate by 2024," he added.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu A J, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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