Belitung is among the top 10 tourism destinations prioritized by President Prabowo Subianto, underscoring its strategic national importance.
“In addition to being one of the 10 presidential tourism priority cities, Belitung is also listed among 50 national priority cities,” Hidayat told reporters.
Over the past six months, the district government has worked with the National Urban Development Project (NUDP) and Integrated City Planning (ICP) to design a long-term development blueprint.
The plan envisions Belitung not just as a tourist destination but as a modern, productive, and environmentally friendly city that harmonizes economic growth, cultural heritage, and natural preservation.
Related news: UAE delegates join mangrove-planting activity in Belitung
“We are also preparing to make Belitung a carbon-free island. That’s why our slogan is, ‘Live one day in Belitung, gain one extra hour of life,’” he said.
The slogan, Hidayat added, reflects the island’s exceptionally clean air—considered among the best in Indonesia—and a collective commitment to protect it.
With strong backing from the central government and support from local communities, Hidayat expressed confidence that Belitung will emerge as a national model for sustainable, green, and culturally rich tourism development.
He emphasized that Belitung’s designation as both a national and tourism priority city signals its growing role in Indonesia’s future development.
“This is our motivation to accelerate inclusive, targeted development that truly benefits local communities,” he said.
Belitung has also been included in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) as a strategic city expected to drive new economic growth through tourism, environmental sustainability, and creative industries, he added.
Related news: Bangka Belitung wants international flights to province to be reopened
Translator: Kasmono, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
