Aceh – President Joko Widodo inaugurated the AMANAH Youth Creative Hub in Aceh Besar District on October 15, marking an important step in empowering Aceh’s young generation. In his speech, President Jokowi emphasized the importance of equitable development in Indonesia and appreciation for the contribution of Aceh’s youth who have demonstrated extraordinary creativity and innovation. He emphasized that development is not only centered in Java, but is evenly distributed throughout Indonesia, including the westernmost region, Aceh.
President Jokowi emphasized that the AMANAH Youth Creative Hub is a manifestation of his special attention to Aceh’s youth, who have shown great potential in various fields. “This AMANAH building is the result of the government’s commitment to continue encouraging the young generation in Aceh to innovate and contribute to the future of the nation. I hope this program will be a catalyst for them to continue to work and produce world-class products,” said President Jokowi.
Furthermore, President Jokowi appreciated the superior products that have been produced by the youth in Aceh through AMANAH, such as Aceh Patchouli, Lamno coffee, and fashion products. “These products not only raise the name of Aceh, but also bring the fragrance of Indonesia to the international scene. Aceh Patchouli has been exported to France and is used by major world perfume companies. This proves that the quality of our local products is very competitive,” he added. In addition, the revived Lamno coffee is now an export commodity in demand in Korea and Japan.
The President also said that the use of cutting-edge technology by Acehnese youth has helped improve efficiency and productivity in various sectors. “The use of technology such as drones for mapping and agricultural management applications shows that our youth are able to utilize high technology to improve competitiveness and productivity. This is an extraordinary innovation,” Jokowi said.
President Jokowi hopes that AMANAH Youth Creative Hub will continue to grow and act as a center of innovation for the young generation of Aceh. “I hope this program will continue. This is a mandate for the young generation of Aceh to create a better, more prosperous, and more advanced future. AMANAH is a home for all of you to continue to innovate,” Jokowi emphasized at the end of his speech.
The Head of BIN, Police General (Ret.) Budi Gunawan, also gave high respect to President Jokowi for his dedication in supporting the development of the young generation, especially in Aceh. Budi Gunawan emphasized that the AMANAH Youth Creative Hub is the result of President Jokowi’s thoughts which aims to empower Acehnese youth through various innovations and superior products. “President Jokowi is a leader with a great vision who always puts youth as a priority. AMANAH is the proof. This building is not just a building, but a symbol of the President’s commitment to building a better future for youth in Aceh,” said Budi Gunawan.
Budi Gunawan said that the construction of the AMANAH Youth Creative Hub involved more than 20,000 Acehnese youth and took one year. This construction was supported by the PUPR Ministry and the local government. “We are very proud of this achievement. The AMANAH building has become a home for more than 20,000 Acehnese youth who continue to work and innovate. The products produced are of international quality, such as Aceh Patchouli which has become a major export commodity and is in demand by the world’s perfume industry,” he explained.
In addition, Budi Gunawan also highlighted the achievements of Acehnese youth in developing technology and industry. “Acehnese youth not only produce products, but also create technologies such as fiber boats and electric vehicles. This is an extraordinary innovation, showing that they are able to compete at the national and international levels,” he said. Furthermore, Budi Gunawan said that AMANAH has cut the supply chain and reduced production costs by producing components that previously had to be supplied from outside Aceh.
Budi Gunawan ended his speech by stating that AMANAH Youth Creative Hub is a valuable legacy from President Jokowi for the youth of Aceh. “This building is a legacy that will be remembered by the youth of Aceh as a mandate from President Jokowi. We hope that this building will continue to be a home for the innovation and creativity of the youth of Aceh, bringing a brighter and more prosperous future,” said Budi Gunawan.
The inauguration ceremony was closed with a pantun from Budi Gunawan that implied great hope for the future of Acehnese youth: “Patchouli and coffee are now world-famous, Acehnese youth are increasingly successful.”