The Investment and Integrated One-Stop Service Office of West Sumatra Province (DPMPTSP) states that investment promotion will be intensified in 2024, with a particular emphasis on the tourism sector. Alrifjon, the Functional Manager for Investment Management at DPMPTSP West Sumatra, highlights the significant potential for developing the tourism sector in the Minangkabau region, especially with the continuous growth of tourism and the emergence of new tourist attractions. In 2024, two key activities are planned for investment promotion in West Sumatra: the Business Forum and an exhibition introducing various investment potentials in the province on a national scale. As of the first week of 2024, it remains uncertain if there are new investments in West Sumatra, given the usual lack of a clear picture of the commencement of construction or investment at the beginning of the year. Alrifjon expresses the hope that investments in the tourism sector, including the construction of hotels or accommodations and supporting tourism infrastructure, will be realized in West Sumatra during the year. Harau in the Limapuluh Kota Regency and Solok Regency are identified as locations experiencing notable investments in the tourism sector.
Apart from tourism, other investment potentials in West Sumatra include agriculture, fisheries, and SMEs, with opportunities spread across various regencies and cities. Highlighting the importance of SMEs, Alrifjon suggests that industries like rendang and culinary can be developed with a market share not limited to West Sumatra but extending nationally and internationally. Discussing investors, Alrifjon notes that the largest investors in West Sumatra, particularly in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), come from Singapore. Looking at the investment performance in West Sumatra in 2023, Alrifjon acknowledges its positive performance. However, the data for 2023 is yet to be released as it awaits evaluation results from the central government. The overall outlook for 2024 is optimistic, with a focus on leveraging West Sumatra's potentials, especially in the tourism sector, to attract investments and foster economic growth.
