Friday, 31 July 2026
BANDA ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM - The Presidential Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, has reaffirmed his support for the Aceh Government's efforts to accelerate economic development by strengthening investment and advancing the downstream energy industry.
Hashim conveyed the support during a meeting with Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, also known as Mualem, held in Setiabudi, South Jakarta, last week. During the meeting, Mualem was accompanied by his special representative, Chowadja Sanova.Aceh Government spokesperson Nurlis Effendi said the meeting discussed investment opportunities and the development of energy downstream industries in Aceh. The discussion also covered strengthening the role of the Arun Lhokseumawe Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as a new center of economic growth.
"During the meeting, we discussed investment and the downstream development of the energy sector in Aceh. Mr. Hashim reaffirmed his commitment to encouraging national entrepreneurs and foreign investors to participate in the development of the Arun Lhokseumawe Special Economic Zone (SEZ)," said Aceh Government spokesperson Nurlis Effendi in Banda Aceh on Thursday, July 30, 2026."Governor Mualem told Mr. Hashim that he respects the decisions made by the central government," Nurlis said.
However, Muzakir Manaf emphasized that the Aceh Government believes every policy related to natural resource management must ensure maximum benefits for the people of Aceh as the producing region.According to Nurlis, Muzakir Manaf highlighted the importance of developing downstream industries for gas resources from the Andaman Block, including potential resources managed by Mubadala Energy.
"For this reason, Governor Mualem emphasized the importance of developing a downstream gas industry from the Andaman Block resources, including those managed by Mubadala Energy," Nurlis stated.Muzakir Manaf views downstream development as a strategic step to create economic added value, generate new employment opportunities, strengthen the gas-based industry, and sustainably improve the competitiveness of Aceh's economy.
"Basically, all parties will benefit. Companies gain profits, the central government receives revenue, the Aceh Government benefits, and an economic multiplier effect is created to improve the welfare of Aceh's people," Nurlis explained.
Hashim and Muzakir Manaf agreed that the meeting represented an initial step toward strengthening cooperation between the central government and the Aceh Government in optimizing regional energy potential.
Both sides are encouraging sustainable investment, the expansion of downstream industries, and economic development aimed at improving the welfare of Aceh's people.The Aceh Government also stated its commitment to creating a safe and favorable investment climate for businesses. This will be achieved through legal certainty, simplified investment services, and accelerated licensing procedures.
"We provide security for investors. We facilitate investment processes, including simplifying and accelerating licensing services," Nurlis said.This commitment is being implemented through Mualem's instruction to Aceh Regional Secretary M. Nasir Syamaun to provide the best possible services for all investors interested in developing businesses in Aceh.
Aceh Regional Secretary M. Nasir Syamaun stated that more entrepreneurs have recently shown interest in investing in Aceh, particularly in relation to the development of the Andaman Block's gas potential.
Throughout July 2026, the Aceh Government received company representatives almost every week who were exploring investment opportunities in the energy sector."The Aceh Government provides proper assistance to these investors. We are implementing all policy directions assigned by the governor," Nasir said.
According to Nasir, investor assistance is a key part of the Aceh Government's strategy to attract capital inflows, accelerate economic growth, and ensure that the utilization of energy potential provides broad benefits for the community.With support from the central government and participation from national and foreign investors, the Aceh Government hopes that energy sector development and downstream industrialization will become important drivers of regional economic growth.
The strengthening of the downstream energy industry is also expected to create new economic chains, ranging from increased industrial activities and job creation to higher incomes for the people of Aceh. (IDNC)REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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