Minister for Villages Invites Sigi Regency to Optimise Tourism and Export Potential

Jakarta – Indonesia’s Minister for Villages and Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT) Yandri Susanto has invited Sigi Regency authorities to optimise their tourism and export-focused village potential.

“Tourism villages and export villages, alongside plantations and livestock rearing, offer excellent economic activity opportunities. Successful examples of tourism or export villages can be modified and adapted to regional potential, as there are many successful models to draw from,” Minister Yandri stated whilst receiving an audience with Sigi Regent Mohamad Rizal Intjenae and his delegation at the Ministry’s office in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Tourism villages and export villages represent the most promising programmes for Sigi Regency. The minister reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Sigi Regency in establishing and developing these villages to maximise available potential.

During the meeting, both parties discussed existing village programmes including the Red and White Village Cooperative, Free Nutritious Meals scheme, and Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes).

Beyond tourism potential, the region is also productive in freshwater fisheries and agricultural and plantation commodities. With approximately 10,000 hectares dedicated to cocoa cultivation, Sigi Regency possesses considerable potential for chocolate exports.

“Around the lake there are rice fields, plantations, and livestock farming. The potential for coffee, cocoa, and durian is excellent. Approximately 10,000 hectares could be utilised for cocoa or chocolate production,” stated Regent Rizal.

The regent sought an audience with Minister Yandri Susanto to maximise all available potential across Sigi Regency’s villages. The minister welcomed Sigi’s planned initiatives and recommended that the regency fully capitalise on its existing potential.