Penyengat Island, Small Jewel Being Prepared as ASEAN Halal Tourism Hub

Penyengat Island is a tiny island off the coast of Tanjungpinang City. Not only does it hold history, this island is preparing to welcome a new future, becoming the largest halal and Muslim tourism center in Southeast Asia.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana came personally to see its potential. 

"Today, we are in the Land of Gurindam 12, the birthplace of Raja Ali Haji, a great Islamic scholar and poet of the Riau-Lingga. His pantun (Malay poetry), syair (poems), and language guidelines became the seeds of the Indonesian language that we use as our unifying language to this day," said the Minister during her visit to Penyengat Island on Thursday afternoon.

For the Minister, Penyengat Island is not just a destination but also a symbol of cultural heritage, a center of Malay-Islamic civilization. In addition, Penyengat Island also serves as proof that history can be an engine of economic growth. 

She hopes this island will become increasingly well-known and become a favorite destination for tourists from within the country and abroad, especially from Muslim countries.

The Minister affirmed her ministry's commitment to promoting the island, including by increasing national tourism programs on the island.

The island may be geographically small, yet it is rich in an identity that reflects the integration between cultural wealth, religious values, and the economic potential of its people.

The Minister is confident that history is its greatest asset, one that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

"As the center of Malay Islamic civilization in the 19th century, Penyengat Island holds deep historical and cultural significance. Therefore, we are optimistic that this island will become the largest halal and Muslim tourism center in the ASEAN region," she said.

During her visit, the Minister presented halal product certificates to 24 MSME players on Penyengat Island. This step is to ensure every product meets halal tourism standards, thereby attracting foreign tourists, especially Muslims.

Not only that, the Minister encouraged the competitiveness of local products to reach the global market.

Governor of the Riau Islands, Ansar Ahmad, explained that his administration is going all out to beautify Penyengat Island.

He outlined efforts ranging from infrastructure development, cultural storytelling, to developing 44 historical sites on the island.

The Riau Islands Provincial Government, together with all stakeholders, is also increasing tourism agendas on Penyengat Island, both during the day and at night.

The results are beginning to show. According to Ansar, Penyengat Island has become one of the favorite tourist destinations for foreign tourists, especially from Malaysia and Singapore.

Not only foreign tourists, Ansar is also attracting domestic tourists to Penyengat Island.

"We are very confident that Penyengat Island will continue to develop into a halal tourism center, especially since it has twice received the national award for best pilot tourism village," he stated.

Slowly but surely, Penyengat Island is writing a new chapter. From a center of Malay-Islamic civilization in the past, to a world-class halal tourism destination in the future.(Antara)