"Since operating in 2018, Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP) and Weda Bay Nickel (WBN) have absorbed tens of thousands of workers, around 75 percent of whom come from North Maluku," said Head of BI North Maluku Dwi Putra Indrawan when contacted here, Friday.
He said the presence of IWIP and WBN also triggered the growth of various business sectors, ranging from accommodation, culinary, entertainment, to workshop and laundry services, the impact of which was directly felt by the surrounding community.
He noted North Maluku's economic growth was the highest in Indonesia due to the significant role of the two companies in driving the regional economy.
The presence of IWIP and WBN also strengthens national mineral downstreaming program, he added.
"The benefits to development are not only limited to job creation, but also to broader and more sustainable increases in added value for the region," he said.
The impact of North Maluku's economic growth is also clearly visible at the district level.
In Central Halmahera District, as the center of mining and processing industrial activities, economic growth was recorded at 60.77 percent in the same period.
"This figure makes Central Halmahera one of the regions with the highest growth nationally," he said.
However, Dwi reminded that there are still many development challenges that must be overcome, starting from improving the quality of human resources to the availability of basic infrastructure.
"The consistent growth trend each year shows bright prospects for the future of Central Halmahera and North Maluku in general," he said.
Bank Indonesia believes that collaboration between the business, local governments, and the community is key to ensuring that North Maluku's economic growth is not only sectoral, but inclusive and sustainable.
"Going forward, Bank Indonesia will continue to collaborate with IWIP, WBN, and the regional government to ensure that North Maluku's economic growth truly benefits the community," he said.
With impressive economic growth achievements, North Maluku is now increasingly confirming its position as a center for strategic mineral downstreaming in Indonesia.
"However, the challenge ahead lies in how this economic success can maintain a balance between industrial growth, environmental sustainability, and public welfare," he said.
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Translator: Abdul Fatah, Katriana
Editor: Primayanti
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