Habanusantara.com – The Aceh government expressed its appreciation for the support from the Regional Board of the Sharia Economic Society (MES) Aceh, which has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the upcoming 21st National Sports Week (PON) in Aceh and North Sumatra in 2024. This support was demonstrated through the organization of a talk show themed ‘Spirit of PON XXI Aceh-Sumut: Empowering the Ummah’s Economy’ during the recent Halal Bi Halal event.
Assistant for Economic Affairs and Development of Aceh’s Regional Secretariat, Mawardi, conveyed these sentiments while delivering a speech on behalf of the Acting Governor of Aceh during the Halal Bi Halal and Talk Show organized by the Sharia Economic Society Regional Board. The event took place at Anjong Mon Mata, within the Meuligoe Governor of Aceh Complex, on Saturday (4/5/2024).
“First and foremost, we express our gratitude to the Sharia Economic Society (MES) Aceh for inviting us to this occasion. This event serves not only as a moment for socializing and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among us but also as a platform for discussion and sharing of ideas on how we can stimulate the economy of the ummah, particularly in the context of the Spirit of PON XXI Aceh-Sumut,” stated Mawardi.
Mawardi emphasized that as the host of PON XXI, Aceh has a golden opportunity to showcase to the world how sports can act as a catalyst for the economic development of the ummah. In this context, the theme advocated by MES Aceh is highly relevant.
“With unity and hard work, I am confident that PON XXI will be a remarkable moment and a magnet for tourists. This presents a great opportunity for creative economy players and SMEs to promote and market halal products from Aceh,” said Mawardi.
Mawardi revealed that as the only province implementing Islamic Sharia in Indonesia, Aceh has vast potential in halal tourism. Aceh has repeatedly earned recognition as a Muslim-friendly tourism destination, with its latest accolade being the Top Muslim-Friendly Tourism Destination at the Indonesia Muslim Travel Index (IMTI) Award 2023.
Therefore, Mawardi continued, the implementation of PON XXI Aceh-Sumut could serve as an opportunity to promote halal tourism to domestic and international Muslim tourists, thereby helping to increase local income and create new business opportunities.
“We are truly grateful for being chosen as the co-host of PON XXI alongside North Sumatra. Let us come together and commit to supporting and giving our best for the success of this event,” urged Mawardi.
Consequently, Mawardi added, the Aceh government warmly welcomes support from various parties through initiatives such as those undertaken by MES Aceh. Such support has the potential to bring significant benefits to the people of Aceh.
“I invite all parties, especially the officials of MES Aceh, to continue playing an active role in driving the ummah’s economy through the principles of just and sustainable Sharia economics. The spirit of PON XXI Aceh-Sumut must become a collective drive to build a strong and resilient ummah economy,” said Mawardi.
“With determination and hard work, God willing, we can achieve our shared vision of making Aceh a prosperous and developed region. With strong collaboration and synergy between the government, the community, and economic players, we can realize the vision of a more advanced, competitive, and just Aceh and North Sumatra,” Mawardi stated.
Mawardi also expressed hope that the talk show could generate practical ideas and concepts for implementation as Aceh and North Sumatra prepare for PON, thus having a significant impact on the economic resurgence of Aceh’s society. “May this event also provide new inspiration and motivation for all of us in building a more inclusive and sustainable ummah economy,” concluded Mawardi.
