Bangka Belitung Province Prepares to Facilitate Islamic Tourism

The Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands Province (Babel) Erzaldi Rosman. Photo: Rana/MINA

Jakarta, MINA – The Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands Province (Babel) Erzaldi Rosman haas said that he is preparing the islands as one of the international halal tourism spot.

“We are committed to realizing Babel as a halal tourism destination, in line with the central government program in developing special economic tourism area (KEK). We are preparing all the necessary things in the development of this,” Erzaldi told Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) on the sidelines of Indonesian Halal Expo (INDHEX) 2017 at SMESCO Convention Hall Building Jakarta, Friday (17/11).

He explained that the efforts being done include providing facilities for Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the province to get halal certificates.

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The Babel is targeting 1,000 MSMEs to get halal certification for free. Products to be certified ranging from foods, cosmetics, to handicrafts.

“From the beginning, we are concerned about the development of halal products that have an impact to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs. We will also increase halal restaurants and hotels,” said Erzaldi.

The richness of the 31st Province in Indonesia of its nature and tin mines until its maritime rich, make Bangka Belitung a magnet for the new comers to get a better life.

According to him, halal products have turned into a community lifestyle in Indonesia, no longer just something that is not haram (forbidden), but has become a symbol of healthy and clean product quality.

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Through this halal certification program, the Provinces of Babel won the Halal Award 2017 in the Special Category of the Best Halal Provincial Government granted by the Indonesian Institute for Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Assessment (LPPOM MUI).

He asserted, the Halal Award 2017 will be a motivation to further increase the potential of Babel from various sectors especially focusing on the development of halal products.

Head of Cooperatives Department of the province’s SMEs, Elfiyena said, in 2017, about 150 products have been awarded halal certification previously selected by LPPOM MUI team.

She stressed, in the future the number will increase. “With the halal certification, people feel comfortable in consuming this SME products, in the future the number will continue to be added,” She explained.(L/RE1/RS5)

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)