While opening the RIF, deputy for investment promotion at the ministry, Nurul Ichwan, said that investment facilities in Tourism Special Economic Zones (SEZs) include ease of obtaining permits for investment, workforce, immigration, and land and spatial planning, according to a statement released here on Friday.
In addition, they cover the processing of taxes, customs, excise, and traffic of goods.
"With the extraordinary facilities, the government hopes to be able to invite more investors to invest in the tourism sector in Indonesia, especially Labuan Bajo," he said.
According to the Investment Ministry's records, investment realization in the tourism sector rose by 19.1 percent in 2022 to reach Rp28.73 trillion (around US$1.89 billion) from Rp24.13 trillion (around US$1.58 billion) the previous year.
In particular, tourism investment realization in 10 priority tourist destinations rose by 24.7 percent from Rp9.34 trillion (around US$615.16 million) in 2021 to Rp11.65 trillion (around US$767.30 million) in 2022.
Therefore, Ichwan expressed the hope that the forum would provide a more detailed picture to prospective investors regarding existing investment opportunities, including in Labuan Bajo, which has very vast potential as a tourist destination not only for domestic tourists, but also international tourists.
Meanwhile, West Manggarai district head Endi lauded the central government for holding the RIF in Labuan Bajo.
He said he hoped that Labuan Bajo would support economic growth in West Manggarai district.
The district head also asserted that he will monitor and ensure that no obstacles hinder the process of investment in West Manggarai, especially Labuan Bajo.
"Currently, we have cleaned up (practices of) illegal levies and irresponsible parties that make it difficult for investors to enter Labuan Bajo," he said.
Tourism investment opportunities in Labuan Bajo include accommodation, amusement parks, theme parks, Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE), golf courses, commercial centers, renewable energy power plants, toll roads, drinking water treatment, and waste processing, among others.
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Translator: Ade Irma, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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