Menparekraf Collaborates With MUI To Develop Halal Tourism And Creative Economy

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Uno. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Menparekraf/Kabaparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno collaborated with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in the development and improvement of tourism and the halal creative economy.

"Today we signed a cooperation agreement with the MUI. In developing tourism and the creative economy in the future, we need guidance from the MUI, especially because tourism and the creative economy are developing quite quickly," Sandiaga said in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, March 19.

The signing of this cooperation is a synergy in increasing the development of parekraf and the community economy, especially in the development of halal tourism and religious tourism through increasing resource capacity, exchanging information and activities that can be collaborated with.

Sandiaga previously said that his party had routinely conducted consultations regarding the latest issues with MUI regarding halal tourism and the creative economy. All the results of the consultation and input from MIU have been implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

It's just that, continued Sandiaga, the signing of the memorandum of understanding is a form of formal cooperation to improve tourism and the halal creative economy. MUI will provide suggestions and input regarding the policies implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

"So every time there is a policy or view of MUI that is in accordance with Islam which is 'rahmatan lil alamin', we must apply it for the benefit, because our economy is prepared with the principles of togetherness and kinship," said Sandiaga Uno.

According to Sandiaga, input and suggestions from MUI are needed, especially in the development of creative economy tourism.

He hopes that this collaboration can open up business opportunities, create jobs, especially for MSME players and when Indonesia has been named the world's best halal tourism destination, this can be maintained.

"So this is the step we have taken, and with this MOU the discussion is more comprehensive and will present more breakthroughs that are in accordance with our principles as the first precept to ensure in tourism activities and the creative economy," Sandiaga said. Meanwhile, MUI Deputy General Chair Anwar Abbas said that by strengthening tourism actors, it is hoped that vertical mobility will be created in the community, where from the bottom they can move up to the middle class.

Cooperation is something we really want because with the cooperation of something heavy becomes light. Hopefully, with this collaboration, the lives of halal tourism and the creative economy in our country will increase," said Anwar.

According to him, if there is an increase in the number of middle class people, in turn it will increase people's purchasing power as a whole by contributing to sustainable economic growth.

"Whatever we make, as long as it is needed by the market, God willing, it will sell, so that our economy will continue to roll like a snowball, so that if possible before 2040 we will enter the top four of the world of halal tourism," said Anwar.

The signing was also attended by MUI Secretary General Amirsyah Tambunan, Deputy for Resources and Institutions, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Damah M Paham, Head of the General Bureau of Law and Procurement of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Sigit Joko Poernomo.