Aceh Besar – The Aneuk Muda Aceh Unggul dan Hebat (AMANAH) Building was inaugurated by President Joko Widodo in an effort to strengthen the role of Acehnese youth in advancing the economy and creative innovation. President Joko Widodo was present at the AMANAH Building, Ladong, Aceh Besar (15/10) with the Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) General of Police (Ret.) Prof. Dr. Budi Gunawan, SH, M.Si., Ph.D., PSM
In his remarks, President Joko Widodo emphasized the importance of facing global uncertainty by improving the quality of human resources.
“Our key now is how we can create superior human resources, so that we can compete with other countries,” said President Jokowi.
According to him, the creativity and innovation of young people are important assets that can be a solution to strengthen the local and national economy.
President Jokowi also expressed his admiration for the progress achieved by Aceh’s youth through AMANAH.
“I am truly amazed by the innovation and creativity of young people in Aceh, whether in fashion, design, or UMKM products. Items like AMANAH bags can be sold at high prices in the global market, but here the price is still very affordable. This shows that we have great potential to increase the added value of local commodities,” explained President Jokowi.
One of the leading products exhibited at AMANAH is patchouli oil, which has been processed into high-quality perfume. President Jokowi said that Aceh patchouli has the best quality in the world and is now being marketed as perfume, not just as a raw material.
“Aceh’s patchouli is very famous, and now with the existing technology, we can increase its added value. This is one of Aceh’s strengths that must continue to be encouraged,” said the President.
In addition, Aceh coffee products are also in the spotlight. President Jokowi emphasized the importance of developing this commodity with modern technology, such as fertilization using drones and more efficient agricultural management.
“Aceh coffee should be the main focus, besides patchouli. With the right technology, we can increase productivity and create more jobs,” he said.
The inauguration of the AMANAH Building marks a new beginning for Aceh’s youth in utilizing technology and creativity to create innovations that have a broad impact. President Jokowi hopes that AMANAH can continue to be a center for human resource development in Aceh, facilitating more young people to innovate and compete at the global level.
“I really appreciate the initiative from BIN that has prepared this Creative Hub. I hope that in the future all provinces can have Creative Hubs like this,” added President Jokowi.
Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), Budi Gunawan, said that AMANAH is real evidence of President Jokowi’s concern for young people in Aceh.
“The AMANAH Youth Creative Hub is the brainchild of President Joko Widodo to support the young generation in Aceh. This order was directly delivered when he inaugurated the Papua Youth Creative Hub, showing his extraordinary love for young people, both in the eastern and western parts of Indonesia,” explained KA BIN Budi Gunawan.
The AMANAH program has successfully involved more than 20,000 young people in Aceh, and they have produced various innovations ranging from fashion, technology, to smart farming. Budi Gunawan added that AMANAH will be a home for the young generation of Aceh who want to develop.
“All of this progress is the fruit of the success of young people who can be obtained as charity from President Joko Widodo,” he said.
Budi Gunawan also said that AMANAH’s superior products such as patchouli and Aceh coffee already have a global market, including in France, Korea, and Japan.
“This AMANAH patchouli product was directly purchased by a perfume manufacturer in France, while Aceh coffee has been exported to Korea and Japan. This proves that the quality of our products is competitive in the world market,” he explained.