Locals Should Gain Benefit from Labuan Bajo's Development: Jokowi

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized that local residents should gain benefit from the development of Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), as the government is targeting to prepare the location as a super premium tourist destination.

"Concerning our preparation of human resources, the local residents should gain benefit and be a part of the development we undertake," Jokowi remarked during a limited meeting with national and local government officials at a hotel in Labuan Bajo on Monday.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Wishnutama, SOEs Minister Erick Thohir, Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya, and Governor of NTT Viktor Laiskodat were among the officials, who attended this meeting.

"Hence, we need to upgrade their abilities as well as competence and skills that can fulfill the requirements in this tourism industry," Jokowi noted while reiterating the importance of including micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Jokowi proposed to set up a creative hub for processing local products as well as for their design, packaging, and pricing.

"Hope to boost the existence of local woven fabric, coffee, and traditional foods while highlighting the cultural attractions to enliven this region of Labuan Bajo," he noted.
Furthermore, the president reiterated several points, including the matter of land dispute that he expected the governor and mayor to resolve as well as the registration of big ships entering its surrounding waters.

"I call for registration for big ships entering Labuan Bajo. We should not allow them to only come and discard their waste here and give nothing to the people," he asserted.

ANTARA