Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment Hosts 1001 Nights Market in Banda Aceh

The Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment (Kemenko PM) organised the 1001 Nights Market in Banda Aceh to support strengthening of community economy following natural disasters in the westernmost province of Indonesia.

The Deputy for Coordinating Community Economic Empowerment and Protection of Migrant Workers of Kemenko PM, Leontinus Alpha Edison, said in Banda Aceh on Wednesday that the 1001 Nights Market was held at the former Aceh Hotel field, in front of Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh.

“The 1001 Nights Market is not merely an economic transaction hub, but a vehicle for humanitarian action. The 1001 Nights Market presents bazaars and exhibitions of culinary products and handicrafts, including a young preachers’ stage to develop children’s potential. The 1001 Nights Market took place from 11 to 13 March 2026,” he said.

According to him, Aceh Province was selected as the venue for the 1001 Nights Market to prioritise humanitarian action and social solidarity. The humanitarian aspect is an integral part of the empowerment strategy carried out by Kemenko PM.

“Beyond the social dimension, the 1001 Nights Market functions as a catalyst to strengthen MSMEs and the creative economy by optimising dormant government and state-owned enterprise assets,” he said.

Leontinus Alpha Edison said that previously unproductive strategic spaces were transformed into affordable creative compounds, such as the field in front of Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.

The implementation of the 1001 Nights Market was conducted in collaboration with the Aceh Provincial Government and Banda Aceh City Government. In the event, there was a free health clinic that provided basic medical examinations.

“We want to create an experience that is not only visually appealing through the concept of coffee vehicles and interactive discussions, but also delivers real impact on the welfare and health of the community,” said Leontinus Alpha Edison.

As part of the 1001 Nights Market series, Kemenko PM also distributed ready-to-eat processed food to flood disaster survivors, handed over 103 units of temporary shelter resulting from collaboration with Rumah Zakat, and distributed 1,000 Islamic religious texts to pesantrens in North Aceh and Tamiang Aceh.