Aceh – Indonesia, The Aceh Provincial Government is pushing to shift its economic development strategy from relying on raw commodity sales toward downstream processing and industrialization. This move is deemed essential for Aceh’s abundant natural resources to generate added value, create job opportunities, and boost local prosperity.
This statement was delivered by the Acting Regional Secretary of Aceh, Taufik, at the Aceh Economic Development Forum (AEDF) 2026, hosted by PT Pembangunan Aceh (PEMA) Perseroda at the Hermes Hotel Banda Aceh on Tuesday (10/6/2026).
AEDF 2026 adopted the theme “Accelerating Investment and New Industrial Era in Aceh.”
Taufik noted that Aceh possesses vast potential in agriculture, plantations, marine sectors, energy, tourism, and various flagship commodities. However, he emphasized that this potential must be managed professionally and sustainably to become a genuine regional economic engine.
“We must ensure that Aceh’s resources do not leave in raw form while the added value and job creation happen elsewhere,” Taufik said.
According to him, agriculture, plantations, fisheries, energy, and other resources should be increasingly processed within Aceh so that local communities can reap greater economic benefits.
Taufik expressed hope that AEDF would not remain merely a platform for exchanging ideas, but instead yield a concrete roadmap, clear investment opportunities, regulatory certainty, streamlined licensing, infrastructure readiness, and strong collaboration among the government, business sector, universities, banking institutions, and the public.
Meanwhile, the President Director of PT PEMA Perseroda, Faisal Ilyas, highlighted that despite Aceh’s vast resource potential, it has not fully delivered added value to the region. “We have expansive seas, yet the added value of our marine wealth is enjoyed by outsiders. We have agricultural and plantation commodities, but what we sell are raw materials,” Faisal said.
He added that Aceh’s main challenge is turning this potential into value-added growth through investment and industrialization. “Through this forum, we will construct a roadmap outlining our strategic actions for the next 10 to 20 years,” he stated.
Faisal also noted that PEMA bears a major responsibility as a regional economic vehicle. Accumulatively, PEMA has contributed IDR 128 billion in dividends to the Aceh Provincial Government.
Moving forward, PEMA aims to boost its contribution to Aceh’s local revenue (PAD) amidst local fiscal constraints and reduced budget transfers from the central government.
Six Cooperation Agreements Signed
Beyond discussion sessions, AEDF 2026 served as a momentum for signing several strategic investment and industrial development agreements. The first partnership was established with Tigallapan Investama for a joint study on renewable energy development potential.
Furthermore, a strategic collaboration was forged with Kedah Agro Ausin Berhad, covering agro-industry, trade, agritourism, logistics, technology, livestock, and human resource development.
Additionally, Citaglobal engaged in a joint study focusing on sustainable energy and fuel development opportunities. Another partnership was secured with PT Banda Sentra Nasional (BSNS) to build telecommunications infrastructure in Aceh.
Meanwhile, an MoU and the soft launching of a lightweight steel factory were executed with PT Indo Surya Galvalume (ISG), alongside an MoU and soft launching for lightweight concrete (hebel) and precast brick tenants.
This series of agreements marks a pivotal step in driving Aceh into a new era of industrialization by maximizing local resources and attracting investments that deliver added value to the community.[]