ARUN KEK EXPECTED TO BENEFIT LOCAL PEOPLE OF ACEH

by Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, June 8 (Antara) - The Special Economic Zones (KEKs) in the country have relatively developed well, with a total of 11 KEKs already approved by the government and with an investment of Rp221 trillion.          Arun Lhokseumawe KEK in Aceh is also included in the 11 special economic zones. Though the Arun Lhokseumawe KEK is still new and is yet to be operational, it already has at least Rp100 billion investment. It has the prospect to open a new chapter in the economic development in the country's westernmost province.          It has the potential to drive the Aceh economic development after the depletion of the province's oil and gas reserves and decline of its agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors following the tsunami disaster in late 2004.          After all, the National Council of Special Economic Zones (KEK) will shortly decide on the operational status and final evaluation of at least six KEKs in the country.          "The National Council of KEK will hold a session in the near future and decide the worthiness of those KEKs that would be operational to serve and attract investment," Wahyu Utomo, head of the executive team of the KEK National Council, informed the media in Jakarta on Thursday (July 6).