Biak (ANTARA) - The Sail Teluk Cenderawasih (STC) national tourism event, scheduled for November 21-27 this year in Papua Province, will economically benefit local communities and help expedite development efforts in the province, the Ministry of Investment stated.

Four districts in Papua Province, namely Biak Numfor, Sarmi, Waropen, and Yapen Islands, are scheduled to host the event.

"The STC serves as proof of the government's presence in accelerating development on Biak Island, be it in the aspects of infrastructure, tourism, fishery, economy, arts, and culture," Investment Ministry's Deputy for Investment Promotion, Nurul Ikhwan, remarked in Biak Numfor on Monday.

Ikhwan noted that the President Joko Widodo administration has been paying close attention to the need for development in Papua. The holding of the STC 2023 constitutes one of the forms of support provided by the government, he added.

He expressed hope that the national-level tourism agenda would draw business players to invest their capital in Biak Numfor, particularly in the fishery and tourism sectors.

"We hope that the one-week long event will provide economic benefits to local communities, including those running micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)," he remarked.

The STC 2023, which constitutes one of Indonesia's national strategic programs, will feature various activities, including fishery product exports, a diplomatic tour, an exhibition displaying MSME products, entertainment sessions, a fishery seminar, business matching, a food bazaar, and a yacht parade.

Earlier in February this year, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated that the STC would serve as an event that focuses on three aspects.

"The three main focuses of this event are fishery exports, investment, and regional potential development," he remarked.

He also expressed optimism that the event, themed "Affirming Indonesia's Maritime Sovereignty in the Pacific," would help the Papua region express the spirit of unity and togetherness in regional development through collaboration between numerous stakeholders.

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Translator: Muhsidin, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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