Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Parekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has said that the interest of Middle Eastern businesses in investing in Indonesia, including in its tourism sector, is still high.

He made the remarks in reference to his visit to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, some time ago, where he showcased investment opportunities in the tourism and creative economy sector.

“From our visit to meet with several business people and entrepreneurs, they showed that interest in investing in Indonesia is still very high,” he informed during the “Weekly Brief with Sandi Uno” in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He said that in a series of working visits to the Middle East, his ministry offered investment opportunities (SEZ) in the tourism and creative economy sector in more than 10 special economic zones and five super-priority tourism destinations (DPSP).

“It turns out that there is also one investment that has been explored in IKN (Nusantara),” he added.

Uno revealed that investors in Dubai are now starting to target investment in the tourism and creative sector outside the city. As a strategic hub, Dubai is looking at investment potential in Indonesia, he added.

The former deputy governor of Jakarta further said that he has invited Ayana Holdings to invest in Jembrana, western Bali.

Uno said he believes that the government must move quickly and act together to work on tapping the potential interest of Middle Eastern businesses.

“I see that Indonesia is still a magnet for investors because we have a good economic matrix; we also see it in terms of the conveniences provided by the government,” he added.

The conveniences include the golden visa program and the formation of a tourism and creative economy SEZ.

During his meeting with Adil Alzarooni, chair of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Entrepreneurship and Educator Team for economic zone development, family business sustainability, and education, Uno highlighted investment opportunities in the tourism and creative sector at eight SEZs.

The SEZs included Mandalika in Central Lombok, Tanjung Kelayang in Belitung, Likupang in North Minahasa, Tanjung Lesung in Pandeglang, Nongsa in Batam, Lido in Bogor, Singhasari in Malang, and Morotai in the Morotai Islands.

Investment was also invited in the five super-priority destinations of Borobudur, Lake Toba, Likupang, Mandalika, and Labuan Bajo.