LHOKSEUMAWE PROPOSED TO BE MADE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE: ACEH GOVERNOR

Jakarta, 23 Shawwal 1436/ 8 August 2015 (MINA) – A proposal to transform Lhokseumawe city in Aceh province into a special economic zone has been made to encourage economic development in the region.

“Lhokseumawe will be turned into a special economic zone after its potential is evaluated,” Governor of Aceh Zaini Abdullah said after his meeting with President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace here on Friday, Antara News quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

According to Abdullah, the government of Aceh and Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Indroyono Soesilo held a meeting to discuss Lhokseumawes potential.

“The minister will address the problems of Lhokseumawe and Arun. The meeting has already started, and the plan will be proposed to the higher-ups,” Abdullah added.

Lhokseumawe city has potential in the manufacture of paper and fertilizers. However, there are a number of issues that must be addressed first, such as the supply of gas and electricity.

During the meeting, they also discussed the acceleration of economic growth in Aceh.

“We held a discussion on expediting economic development in Aceh, including the construction of irrigation facilities in East Aceh, followed by the same in Perlak and Jambu Air. We also spoke about electrical energy and national industries,” he pointed out.

During his meeting with the governor of Aceh, the president was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Sofyan Djalil and other officials. (T/P010/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)