TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah said that his government would ensure the safety of investors in the region. "We will protect the safety of local and foreign investors so Aceh can be a global investment destination," he said during the Aceh Business Forum in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 15, 2014.

Zaini explained that there was misleading information about the security in Aceh, such as the implementation of sharia law that allegedly violates human rights. "The situation in Aceh is much safer compared to other big cities in Indonesia," he said, adding that Aceh had several advantages to offer as the main investment destination in western Indonesia.

As an example, Aceh is located on the gate of the Malacca Strait, on the route of potential markets in Asia, Africa, Middle East and Australia.

Zaini also said that besides having a law that favored investors, Aceh also had Sabang, an open port. "This offers attractive incentive for the investors, such as import duty and tax exemptions," he said.

The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) Chairman Sofjan Wanandi admitted that not many businessmen had the courage to invest in Aceh. "They are mainly scared of the security situation, so they don't dare take a risk without knowing the conditions there," he said. According to Sofjan, investors would come if they get the right information about Aceh.

ADI WARSIDI| AYU PRIMA SANDI