IDB TO SUPPORT HALAL TOURISM IN W NUSA TENGGARA By Fardah

Jakarta, May 23, 2016 (Antara) -  President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al-Madani last April had a privilege to visit West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province, which is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and scenic views.          Some 65 percent of the 4.7 million population of NTB lives in Lombok and up to 93 percent of them are Muslims.           Lombok, one of NTB's main islands, was adjudged the best halal tourism and honeymoon destination during the World Halal Travel Awards 2015 held in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, in October last year. The event was held in conjunction with the World Halal Travel Summit 2015.     The awards have instilled a sense of pride and optimism in the NTB administration to promote its tourism attractions nationally and internationally to lure more domestic and foreign  tourists, particularly Muslims, who want to enjoy halal or Shariah tourism.        The NTB tourism office has improved facilities and services for Muslim tourists, for instance, by providing halal food and easy access to facilities for Islamic prayers and other activities in accordance with the Islamic laws (Shariah).          Located not far from Bali and having scenery not less beautiful than Bali, NTB attracted 2.25 million tourists in 2012, 2.49 million in 2013, and 2.51 million in 2014.         The NTB administration has set a target of attracting three million tourists in 2016, and is expected to generate Rp750 billion in revenue from tourism.         Al-Madani said IDB strongly supports the halal tourism concept being developed in Indonesia and in NTB in particular.

INDONESIA SEES IDB AS IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT PARTNER by Fardah

   Jakarta, May 21, 2016 (Antara)- The 41st Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group, organized successfully in Jakarta on May 15-19, was attended by the finance and economy ministers of the 57 IDB member countries.

        The participating countries, including Guyana, the newest member of the IDB, are all member nations of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

        In line with its slogan - "Providing Resources, Fighting Poverty and Restoring Dignity" - the IDB has been financing programs aimed at improving social  welfare, particularly in underprivileged Muslim majority countries.

         IDB Group President Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali explained that the Bank has accomplished significant achievements, and launched important initiatives, such as its contribution to the Trans-Sahara Road, the resilience and food security program for the African Sahel countries, and energy and roads projects that contributed towards ending the isolation of remote areas in Africa and Central Asia.

        Indonesian Vice President M Jusuf Kalla, in his opening remarks, said cooperation between Indonesia and IDB remained the focus to strengthen economic growth and address inequality.