Aceh – Indonesia, The Aceh Provincial Government is driving a shift in economic development from relying solely on raw commodity sales toward downstreaming and industrialization. This step is considered vital to ensure Aceh’s rich resources generate added value, jobs, and prosperity for the local community.
This was conveyed by the Acting Regional Secretary of Aceh, Taufik, at the 2026 Aceh Economic Development Forum (AEDF) organized by PT Pembangunan Aceh (PEMA) Perseroda at the Hermes Hotel Banda Aceh on Tuesday (6/10/2026).
AEDF 2026 carried the theme “Accelerating Investment and New Industrial Era in Aceh.”
Taufik stated that Aceh possesses immense potential in agriculture, plantations, marine sectors, energy, tourism, and various superior commodities. However, this potential must be managed professionally and sustainably to truly become a regional economic powerhouse.
“We must ensure that Aceh’s resources do not leave as raw materials, while the added value and employment opportunities are created elsewhere,” Taufik said.
According to him, agriculture, plantations, fisheries, energy, and other resources must increasingly be processed within Aceh so that the local population can reap greater economic benefits.
Taufik expressed hope that the AEDF would not remain merely a forum for exchanging ideas, but would instead produce a concrete roadmap, clear investment opportunities, regulatory certainty, streamlined licensing, infrastructure readiness, and collaboration among the government, business sector, universities, banking, and the community.
Meanwhile, the President Director of PT PEMA Perseroda, Faisal Ilyas, noted that Aceh holds vast resource potential, yet not all of it currently delivers added value to the region.
“We have vast seas, yet the added value of our marine wealth is enjoyed by those outside Aceh. We have agricultural and plantation commodities, but what we sell are raw goods,” Faisal remarked.
He added that Aceh’s challenge lies in converting this potential into added value through investment and industrialization.
“Through this forum, we will create a roadmap for what we will undertake over the next 10 to 20 years,” he said.
Faisal mentioned that PEMA holds a significant responsibility as an instrument for the regional economy. Accumulatively, PEMA has deposited dividends totaling IDR 128 billion to the Aceh Provincial Government.
Moving forward, PEMA aims to boost its contribution to Aceh’s Original Local Revenue (PAD) amid local fiscal constraints and reduced central government transfers.
Six Cooperation Agreements Signed
Beyond discussion forums, AEDF 2026 also served as a milestone for signing several investment and industrial development agreements.
The first collaboration was conducted with Tigallapan Investama for a joint study on the potential development of renewable energy.
Furthermore, a strategic collaboration was established with Kedah Agro Ausin Berhad, covering agro-industrial development, trade, agro-tourism, logistics, technology, livestock, and human resource development.
Additionally, Citaglobal engaged in a joint study on potential sustainable energy and fuel development.
The next agreement was finalized with PT Banda Sentra Nasional (BSNS) for telecommunications infrastructure development in Aceh.
Meanwhile, with PT Indo Surya Galvalume (ISG), an MoU was signed alongside a soft launching for a lightweight steel factory, as well as an MoU and soft launching for hebel and precast brick tenants.
This series of collaborations forms part of the efforts to push Aceh into a new industrial era by optimizing local resources and attracting investments that create added value for the public.[]