The Wali Nanggroe Aceh, His Excellency Tgk. Malik Mahmud Al Haythar, attended the 10th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) held in Vladivostok, Russian Federation, from September 3–6, 2025.
The forum is held annually in Vladivostok, with the aim of encouraging foreign investment in the Russian Far East. It has been held since 2015 in September at the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia.
In his presentation, the Wali Nanggroe outlined five key sectors that offer investment opportunities.
In the agricultural sector, the Wali Nanggroe explained that Aceh has fertile land that produces world-class commodities, especially Gayo Arabica coffee, which is internationally recognized and protected by a Geographical Indication. Furthermore, Aceh cultivates cocoa, oil palm, coconut, rice, and a variety of tropical fruits and spices.
Furthermore, in the livestock and fisheries sector, Aceh's extensive grazing lands support cattle and goat farming. "Our 1,600-kilometer coastline and rich marine resources provide great potential for fisheries and aquaculture, particularly tuna, shrimp, and seaweed, which have penetrated the international market," said Wali Nanggroe.
Furthermore, Aceh also boasts forests with rich biodiversity, particularly the Leuser Ecosystem, one of the last large tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, which is a sanctuary for rare and endangered species such as elephants, tigers, orangutans, and Sumatran rhinos. This unique ecosystem presents valuable opportunities for conservation, ecotourism, and scientific collaboration.
"Fourth, energy and natural resources. Aceh is blessed with significant oil and natural gas reserves, historically represented by the Arun Gas Field. Currently, Aceh is opening new blocks for oil and gas exploration while also moving towards renewable energy—hydroelectric power, geothermal, and solar power. This aligns with global sustainability goals," explained Wali Nanggroe.
The final sector discussed was tourism and culture. Aceh, said Wali Nanggroe, is not only blessed with natural beauty such as pristine beaches, coral reefs, and majestic mountains, but also a rich heritage.
“Known as the Veranda of Mecca, Aceh represents a living Islamic tradition, while offering unique experiences such as the UNESCO-recognized Saman dance and vibrant culinary traditions, from Acehnese noodles to world-renowned Acehnese coffee.”
Wali Nanggroe also touched on Aceh’s journey from conflict to peace. Two decades ago, Aceh emerged from a protracted conflict through a historic peace agreement supported by the Indonesian government and the international community. “Now, Aceh is embracing peace, strengthening democratic governance, and opening the door to international cooperation,” he said.
Wali Nanggroe also emphasized that Aceh’s experience in building peace and resilience shares similarities with the development dynamics in the Russian Far East.
On September 4, 2025, Wali Nanggroe participated in a session titled “The Greater Eurasian Partnership: New Paradigms for the Continent’s Development,” which discussed new paradigms for economic integration in the Eurasian region.
Beginning his remarks, Wali Nanggroe expressed his appreciation to the Russian Government and the Roscongress Foundation for the invitation and warm welcome to Aceh. He also expressed his deep sympathy to the people of the Kamchatka Peninsula, which was recently struck by the earthquake and tsunami on July 30, 2025.
"The people of Aceh share this grief, as we also experienced the massive tsunami of 2004. We stand in solidarity with you," said Wali Nanggroe.
Zulfikar Idris, Head of Cooperation and Public Relations for Wali Nanggroe, stated that Wali Nanggroe was accompanied at the event by Special Staff Dr. Muhammad Raviq and Khatibul Wali Abdullah Hasbullah, as well as Ema Yanti, a Structural Official of Khatibul Wali.
Addressing representatives from more than 70 countries, Wali Nanggroe emphasized Aceh's strategic position as Indonesia's western gateway, connecting the Indian Ocean and the Asia-Pacific. For centuries, Aceh has been a crossroads of global civilization, bringing together traders, scholars, and cultures from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
"As part of a peaceful and dynamic Indonesia, Aceh remains a region with great potential for international cooperation," concluded Wali Nanggroe.[]
