Jakarta (ANTARA) - Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration Minister Abdul Halim Iskandar stated that the 2024 Eid homecoming momentum can be utilized optimally by village governments and tourism villages to strengthen their economies.

"This potential must be optimized as an effort to capture tourist visit opportunities, as the number of travelers is predicted to be greater as compared to the previous years," Minister Iskandar remarked while giving a speech and making a symbolic exchange of money at the Ministry's office here on Tuesday.

He also commended the synergy between Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Ministry in holding the money exchange event within the ministry.

Iskandar remarked that this activity facilitated the ministry's staff to exchange their money for new paper money, so that they can distribute them to family and neighbors during Eid.

"I hope that the synergy between Bank Indonesia and the Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration will continue to be implemented and improve in the future," he remarked.

He affirmed that the increased circulation of money during this year's Eid momentum will encourage economic activities in villages.

In addition, he said, the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector will grow, and with more people celebrating Eid with their family members, the tourism sector will also get a boost.

He noted that in this way, economic resources in the regions would also grow well.

On the same occasion, Minister Iskandar prayed that the exodus trip of the ministry's staff would be smooth. Thus, they can return to work safely and on time.

"Happy Eid exodus. I wish you a safe arrival at your destinations. May God give blessings and salvations during the exodus and when returning to your respective workplaces," he stated.

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Translator: Tri A, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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