Tuesday, October 9, 2012 09:47 WIB | Free translation by Adji Darsoyo

* Regents Aceh Barat and Nagan Raya inaugurated

JEURAM – Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah requested to the newly inaugurated Regent and Vice-Regent of Nagan Raya to protect and preserve Leuser Ecosystem, especially the conservation of Tripa Peat Swamp in the Sub district of Darul Makmur, which is adjacent to Aceh Barat District.

This has been addressed by Aceh Governor after the ceremonial inaugurated Drs. HT Zulkarnaini and HM Jamin Idham, both as Regent and the Vice-Regent of Nagan Raya for the period of 2012 to 2017 during a Special Plenary Session of the District Parliament of Nagan Raya on Monday afternoon (08/10).

The next morning, Aceh Governor inaugurated HT Alaidinsyah and H Rachmat Fitri HD, both as Regent and Vice-Regent of Aceh Barat District for the period of 2012 to 2017. The ceremony was held during a Special Plenary Session of the District Parliament of Aceh Barat.

The Governor stated the importance and the relevance to the protection and preservation of Tripa Peat Swamp, since the Government of Aceh will evaluate all existing policies related to this protected peat swamp, so that there will be no more policy of the provincial government that leads to the destruction of this particular peat swamp ecosystem.

“Nagan Raya consists of forest area within Leuser Ecosystem. Therefore, we hope that the District Government of Nagan Raya supports the Government of Aceh in the protection of the particular ecosystem including Tripa Peat Swamp,” said Governor Zaini.

On the other hand, as a new-born district of 10 years old of age, the development of this regency is, based on the data on economic achievement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has been praised as relatively successful.  This appraisal was based on various factors, among others the relatively well Regional Income.

But, Zaini reminded that this appraisal should not drive the District Government of Nagan Raya to be vainglorious, since from the potential point of view, the Regional Income still needs to be increased.

Moreover, the economic development is relatively unsatisfying, only around 3.9% annually. He hopes that in the coming several years, the economic development can be increased in line with the economic development of the province, which is approx.. 6.5%.

The Governor also reminded that Nagan Raya possesses various kinds of natural resources, such as marine and mining products, natural gas and other natural resources. “All this richness can surely be managed properly through involvement of investors,” said Zaini.

During the inauguration of the Regent and Vice-Regent of Aceh Barat District, Governor Zaini Abdullah requested both officials to build a good functioning team work in leading the district. “I need to remind this, since some regency leaders in Aceh broke their partnership after being elected,” said the Governor of Aceh.

According to the Governor, once the Regent and his Vice broke their partnership, it will trigger unrest amongst the regency officials that leads to a not solid leadership and   development programme will fall apart. “I ask both of you to maintain your partnership. If there is any dispute, please report immediately for not to protract the issue,” advised Zaini.

The Governor appraise the community of Aceh Barat for being mature in the democracy. The Governor also asked the leading couple to maintain mutual communication with all stakeholders in Aceh Barat District. With good spirit and well maintained communication, all existing issue in the development process of Aceh Barat District can be solved in a good manner.

The inauguration of the Regent and Vice-Regent of Aceh Barat District was also attended by the Commander District Military 012/Teuku Umar, civil and military officials and thousands of invitees including attendants from adjacent districts, the Government of Aceh and Jakarta.

Meanwhile, during the opening ceremony of the Special Plenary Session of the District Parliament of Nagan Raya, the Chairman of the District Parliament, Samsuardi, requested the leading couple to submit more community oriented working programmes for the next five years. Including building houses for the poor each year.

“We hope that the welfare of the community of Nagan Raya will improved in accordance with the programme of the Government of Aceh targeting 100,000 houses for the poor in Aceh,” said Samsuardi, who is also known as Juragan. (edi/riz)