Bone Bolango Regency, Kominfotik – The Gorontalo Provincial Government, together with Bank Indonesia, inaugurated the Halal, Safe, and Healthy (KHAS) Zone and the Non-Cash Culinary Area at Perintis Lake on Tuesday (4/11/2025). The event simultaneously marked the kick-off of the Maleo Festival, aiming to establish the area as a primary Muslim-friendly tourism destination in Gorontalo.
The inauguration was attended by Gorontalo Governor Gusnar Ismail and Deputy Governor Idah Syahidah, along with several heads of Regional Work Units (OPD). This initiative is an initial step in transforming Gorontalo into a hub for halal tourism integrated with a digital payment system.
Head of Bank Indonesia’s Gorontalo Provincial Representative Office, Bambang Setya Permana, stated that Gorontalo was assessed for the first time in the Muslim-friendly destination assessment. The national assessment results showed that Gorontalo successfully ranked in the top 11 provinces designated as Muslim-friendly destinations.
He explained that the establishment of the KHAS Zone is an important part of this effort. This area must meet several criteria, including selling halal-certified products and maintaining standards of cleanliness and environmental safety.
Bank Indonesia is also collaborating with the Bone Bolango Regency Government to accelerate halal certification for MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) actors in the Perintis Lake area. This effort is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the sharia economy and strengthen the halal tourism ecosystem in the region.
Meanwhile, Gorontalo Governor Gusnar Ismail emphasized the importance of interpreting the halal concept comprehensively. According to him, halal status does not only concern the product, but also encompasses the entire ecosystem and social interactions within the tourist area.
He added that Bone Bolango Regency has several destinations with the potential to become excellent halal tourism areas. These include Perintis Lake, Botubarani, Olele, the National Hero Museum and Tomb, Bulango Pine Forest, and the Bulango Ulu Dam, which will soon be operational.
The Governor expressed hope that these areas could grow into new economic magnets for the community. If all destinations develop, the economic turnover in Bone Bolango and Gorontalo will become stronger.
Reported by Mila
Translated by Fera
