The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf) held a Focus Group Discussion on Accelerating Sustainable Investment Development in the Tourism and Creative Economy sectors in Pekanbaru, Riau Province, on July 10, 2024. This event aimed to provide understanding, strategies, and a discussion platform for stakeholders in Riau Province to develop the tourism and creative economy (parekraf) sector through sustainable investment growth. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in developing parekraf. According to data from the Ministry of Investment/BKPM, processed by Kemenparekraf, the 2023 investment realization for the parekraf sector was IDR 58.93 billion for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), primarily in restaurants, star-rated hotels, and travel agency activities. For Domestic Investment (DI), it was IDR 477.06 billion, mainly in star-rated hotels, restaurants, and events/catering sectors. Sandiaga highlighted Riau Province's vast parekraf potential, given its diverse cultural and historical tourism, strategic accessibility, and proximity to Malaysia and Singapore. Proper management can significantly enhance local revenue and public welfare by creating job opportunities.
Rizki Handayani, Deputy for Industry and Investment at Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf, noted that, according to the 2023 Nusantara Statistics Report (BPS), Riau residents made 11,557,732 trips, with 45.10% for vacation and recreation. Meanwhile, Riau received 10,782,083 trips, with 30.96% for vacation and 26.86% for family purposes. Rizki expressed hope that the Focus Group Discussion would drive sustainable investment growth in Riau's parekraf sector. The event involved collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Directorate of Service and Area Planning of the Ministry of Investment/BKPM, the Head of Bappedalitbang of Riau Province, the Head of the Riau Province Tourism Office, the Head of DPMPTSP of Riau Province, the Director of Nimo Enterprise, the Co-Founder and President Director of PT Infra Migunani Mitayani Infra MM, and the Director of Hospitality Service. The discussion aimed to realize various strategies for developing and increasing investment in Riau's tourism and creative economy sectors, establishing Riau Province as a sustainable parekraf center in Indonesia.
