The Provincial Government of South Sulawesi (Pemprov Sulsel) and the Head of the Japanese Consular Office in Makassar, Ohashi Koichi, are exploring cooperation in the tourism, education, and foreign investment sectors for infrastructure through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Ohashi Koichi expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Sulsel in developing tourism in Takabonerate Selayar, as well as promoting partnerships in education and infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of good promotion to increase the number of visitors to destinations such as Takabonerate and Toraja. Japan is also ready to promote educational and tourism cooperation in Sulsel. Koichi revealed that communication has been established with the governments of Makassar City, Palopo City, Maros Regency, Takalar, and the Selayar Islands, targeting the potential of each region. He also mentioned the desire of the Japanese community in Makassar to support this cooperation, including in food security. Additionally, Ohashi Koichi stated that his priority tasks include protecting Japanese citizens in Sulsel, handling visas, and enhancing foreign investment in Sulsel.

Acting Governor of Sulsel, Zudan Arif Fakrulloh, warmly welcomed the plan for this cooperation, especially in the fields of health, education, and tourism. Zudan hopes that Japan can invest in these sectors, highlighting that Sulsel lacks adequate medical tourism facilities compared to Bali. He expressed his hope that a good hospital environment could boost patients' immunity and aid in their recovery. Zudan also highlighted the significant potential for cooperation, citing his previous experiences in Gorontalo and West Sulawesi as a basis for optimism in Sulsel. Ohashi Koichi stressed that companies must be flexible in selecting locations and financing options to cope with supply chain volatility. Diversification of supply chains is a natural step for manufacturing companies in the broader economic cycle in this region. Indonesia is emerging as a major manufacturing hub, with a large population, abundant labor, attractive costs, and various incentives that make it an appealing investment destination. In 2023, Indonesia recorded an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the manufacturing sector, rising by USD 4 billion to a total of USD 28.7 billion.

Source: https://www.medcom.id/ekonomi/bisnis/MkM79yVN-investor-jepang-jajaki-kerja-sama-pariwisata-di-sulsel