Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno invited 20 investors to invest in Labuan Bajo during an Investor Roundtable Discussion. "Today, there have been two signings, and tomorrow, there will be a groundbreaking by one of the investors present, namely the Eiger Group," he said in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Wednesday. During the event, landowners for investment, such as the Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF), InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), and Mawatu, engaged in discussions with the investors. Sandiaga emphasized that the focus of these investments should be on quality tourism and green or sustainable tourism. He highlighted this as a pivotal moment for investment in Labuan Bajo Flores, which will create job opportunities, business prospects, and enhance community welfare.
Sandiaga noted that investors are not only drawn to Labuan Bajo Flores' natural beauty but are also highly interested due to the friendly locals and the region's unique creative economy products. "There was much discussion about coffee and also tenun (traditional woven fabric), which I see as part of an ecosystem that makes Labuan Bajo Flores unique," he said. He added that Labuan Bajo should be preserved as a world heritage destination due to its exceptional natural beauty, culture, and experiences. He also mentioned that investments in Labuan Bajo have reached IDR 570 billion in the first quarter of 2024. "In 2023, there was USD 3 billion invested in hotels, restaurants, and fitness centers across Indonesia, with Labuan Bajo ranking fourth. However, given Labuan Bajo's popularity, it should ideally rank second after Bali, potentially increasing its investment rank to third or second," Sandiaga added.
