The Chairperson of Commission II of the Banyuwangi Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), Hj. Siti Mafrochatin Ni'mah Spd, MM, has expressed strong support for the collaboration between Banyuwangi and Japan in the field of tourism. She views this partnership as a crucial step towards economic recovery, especially in the tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic. Geopark Ijen's inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and cooperation with Aso, Japan, reflect the region's commitment to harnessing its natural beauty and geological wonders for sustainable tourism development.
Ni'mah emphasizes the importance of ensuring that such collaborations benefit the local population, promote human resource development, and enhance the well-being of the community. While she applauds the positive relations between Banyuwangi and Japan, she calls on the executive branch to prioritize the empowerment of Banyuwangi's indigenous people and ensure they actively participate in and benefit from these initiatives, rather than being marginalized. This cooperation not only highlights the potential for tourism growth but also underscores the importance of responsible development that takes into account the welfare of the local population, ultimately contributing to the recovery and prosperity of Banyuwangi.
