Ministry Proposes Mandeh, Mentawai as Strategic Tourism Areas

Padang, (Antaranews Sumbar) - The Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN) proposes the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of West Sumatra to design Mandeh area in South Pesisir District and Mentawai as strategic tourism areas. "The designed area should be functional. It has added value but not exclusive, the real shape is integrated tourism area," Minister of PPN/Head of Bappenas Bambang Brodjonegoro stated in Padang on Thursday. He conveyed it to a national work meeting of Bappeda in Indonesia attended by representatives from all provinces with the theme of quality improvement and regional development arrangements. According to him, the concept that can be made is an integrated tourism area, then the regional funding will also be encouraged by private investors to accelerate the development of the region. He added the two regions could become new territory and with the role of private investors, so that West Sumatra need not feel left behind with other regions. (cha) Translator: Vicha Faradika