SANDIAGA Salahuddin Uno as the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, is preparing a strategic step in developing the Tanjung Lesung-Banten Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The aim is to assist economic recovery – particularly in Banten Province – as well as to open up business opportunities and employment opportunities.
Strategy to develop Tanjung Lesung SEZ
Sandi – as he is usually called – explained that in order for the Tanjung Lesung SEZ to develop, a holistic approach and in-depth improvements to the Tanjung Lesung SEZ and the strengthening of infrastructure development are needed. According to him, these three things will boost the performance of the tourism sector and the creative economy as a whole. So that it will make the Tanjung Lesung SEZ later become the main and favorite tourist destination for tourists.
Therefore, I Sandi, the three pillars of Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf namely innovation, adaptation, and collaboration must be implemented. Because every obstacle can be solved if you want to innovate, try new ideas. In addition, adaptive in every situation needs to be done. And the most important thing is the collaboration with all the pentahelix elements.
“I will focus on fully supporting the development of the Tanjung Lesung SEZ. And we will also expand the digital economy, because we cannot deny that the digital economy can provide additional income for the community, because we can promote creative economy products and market them widely,” said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga, in Tanjung Lesung, Banten, Wednesday (22 /12/2022) night.
Starting January 2022, Menparekraf Sandiaga plans to conduct monthly monitoring and evaluation with related parties. The goal is to find out the progress of the Tanjung Lesung SEZ development.
“So that when the Serang – Panimbang toll road, which God willing, will be completed in 2023, tourist destinations and creative economic centers will be ready. Including satellites that are really needed by the community, namely tourist villages,” said Sandiaga.
The construction of the Serang – Panimbang toll road is divided into three sections. Section I Serang – Rangkasbitung with a length of 26.5 km has been 100 percent completed and has been inaugurated directly by President Joko Widodo on November 16, 2021.
Meanwhile, section II Rangkasbitung – Cileles along 24.17 km has reached 75 percent. And section III Cileles – Panimbang along 33 km has reached 64.21 percent. So that sections II and III are targeted to be completed in 2023.
In addition to the toll road, there is also reactivation of the 18.7 km Rangkasbitung – Pandeglang Railway line which is targeted to operate in 2023. And the 37.9 km Pandeglang – Labuan segment II is targeted to operate in 2024.
“I will coordinate with the Minister of Transportation for this railway line, as well as the New Airport in Pandeglang Regency, we will follow up again,” said Sandi.
Develop Ecotourism in Ujung Kulon
Menparekraf also plans to present ecotourism in Ujung Kulon. Then, sport tourism is also very potential to be developed, with water sports, automotive, or aerospace. Then, MICE tours (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions), to the preparation of tourist villages.
“Ujung Kulon National Park is arguably one of the most attractive ecotourism potentials in Indonesia. If in Labuan Bajo there is a Komodo dragon, here there is a One-horned Rhinoceros. For that, ecotourism is one that will be present in Ujung Kulon,” he said.
“This is a government policy that is right on target, has the right benefits, and is full of justice. So that it touches all parties, not only from the upper middle layer, but will also have an impact on communities throughout the region,” continued Sandi.
Meanwhile, Poernomo Siswoprasetijo as the President Director of PT. Banten West Java, explained, even though the tsunami disaster hit the Banten area in 2018. However, several investors are still committed to developing the Tanjung Lesung SEZ. There are even investors who will present new premium outlets and hotels.
“Currently there is a Ladda Bay Resort with 100 rooms that are already operating. We have also signed an MoU with the Chairman of IMI Bambang Soesatyo to develop multifunction sport tourism,” said Poernomo.
He hopes that all parties involved can support, oversee, and supervise developments inside and outside the Tanjung Lesung SEZ.
As for the meeting, also attended by Hanifah Makarim as Director of Access to Financing Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf and and Irna Narulita as Regent of Pandeglang.
