TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that he can see greater potential of Sumbawa District, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). Having visited the region, Luhut said that some sectors, such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and tourism, can be developed further.

“The Regent told me that the region’s corn production can reach two to three million tons next year,” he said in a written statement received by Tempo on Monday, October 24, 2016.

According to Luhut, despite already having mining company PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara raise the profile of the region’s economic potential, other potential needs to be given special attention. After the visit, he said he will coordinate with Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman over Sumbawa’s potential, such as sugar and cattle breeding.

To develop the region’s potential, Luhut has pledged to build a sea port. “The region has Moyo island as a tourist attraction. It should be integrated with a sea port and airport,” he said.

At present, Sumbawa’s annual regional income (PAD) reaches Rp145 billion. It can be further increased with a budget of Rp1.5 trillion. Luhut also said that he expect to see the end of illegal logging. “I have instructed authorities to clamp down on illegal logging.”

LARISSA HUDA