President Jokowi Inaugurates AMANAH Building, Encourages Creativity and Innovation of Aceh Youth
ACEH – President Joko Widodo inaugurated the AMANAH Youth Creative Hub Building in Aceh Besar Regency, on October 15, 2024. The building, which was designed as a center for developing creativity and innovation for Acehnese youth, is expected to be a driving force for the progress of the creative economy in the region. In his speech, President Jokowi expressed his appreciation for the contribution of Acehnese youth in creating superior products that have penetrated the international market.
The President emphasized that AMANAH is a concrete manifestation of his commitment to advancing youth in various regions of Indonesia, including in the westernmost part of the archipelago. “This is the result of our hard work together, especially the young people of Aceh. Products such as Aceh Patchouli and Lamno coffee that have been exported show how great Aceh’s potential is,” said President Jokowi.
Furthermore, President Jokowi emphasized the importance of technology in developing local commodities. He praised the innovation of Acehnese youth who have utilized advanced technology, such as drones for land mapping and agricultural management applications that increase production efficiency. “Acehnese youth have proven that they are able to compete at the global level by utilizing advanced technology,” he added.
The AMANAH building, which stands majestically in Aceh Besar, was built in one year with full support from the PUPR Ministry and the local government. The Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), Police General (ret.) Prof. Dr. Budi Gunawan, who was also present at the inauguration, expressed his praise for President Jokowi. “Mr. President has built Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke evenly, and this AMANAH building is one proof of his concern for the youth in Aceh,” said Budi Gunawan.
The BIN chief also highlighted the success of the AMANAH Building in encouraging youth innovation. According to him, AMANAH has involved more than 20,000 Acehnese youth in various creativity development programs, ranging from electric vehicle production to robotic technology. “This building is not only a center of creativity, but also a place where the future of Acehnese youth is formed,” he explained.
One of the leading products that received special attention from President Jokowi is Aceh Patchouli. This product has been exported to various countries, including France, as a raw material for world-class perfumes. In addition, Lamno coffee has also successfully penetrated the Korean and Japanese markets. These two commodities are considered the main economic strengths of Aceh that need to be continuously developed. The President hopes that the local government will pay special attention to supporting the development of Patchouli and coffee, so that it can significantly improve Aceh’s economy.
In addition to these superior products, the AMANAH Building is also a center for the development of fashion products and MSMEs. President Jokowi had the opportunity to witness firsthand several products made by Acehnese youth, such as clothes and bags that have received orders from Japan, the Middle East, and Europe. The President hopes that AMANAH will continue to be a home for Acehnese youth to innovate and create quality products that are able to compete in the global market.
Budi Gunawan added that AMANAH not only functions as a creative center, but also plays an important role in cutting the supply chain that has so far depended on outside regions. With this facility, Aceh is now able to produce its own components that previously had to be imported from outside, thus reducing production costs and increasing efficiency.
President Jokowi closed the inauguration with great hope that the AMANAH Building will be a symbol of hope for the future of Aceh’s youth. “I am sure, with the spirit and creativity of Aceh’s youth, this building will be the birthplace of new innovations that will lead Aceh to a more prosperous future,” he said.
With the inauguration of the AMANAH Building, it is hoped that creativity and creative economy development programs in Aceh can be sustainable. President Jokowi also emphasized his commitment to continue supporting the younger generation throughout Indonesia so that they can compete in the international arena.
