Gorontalo: The first step of Gorontalo State University in realizing the Tomini Bay Special Economic Zone development program into a rural-based particular economic area has been started. The breakthrough carried out by UNG received a positive response from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Villages (Ina: Kemendagri), Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration (Ina: Kemendes-PDTT).

Kemendes-PDTT, through the Director-General of Economic Development and Village Investment, Ir. Herlina Sulistyorini, M.Si, appreciated UNG's breakthrough by forming a rural-based Special Economic Zone of Tomini Bay. According to her, the pre-regional meeting is a good excuse. However, it must be more developed with the embryo and advantages possessed by the Tomini Bay area in the future.

"With the potential that exists in this area, I am sure that Tomini Bay will not be a pioneer in rural development in a long time," said Herlina.

The Director-General for the Acceleration of Development of Disadvantaged Regions Ir. Eko Sri Haryanto M.M acknowledged that the potential of the Tomini Bay area is enormous and extraordinary. But realizing this program requires hard work for the Regional Government, the Community, the Business industry, and other most active parties who have a role in this program, especially for the university as the initiator. We have to think about developing the Tomini Bay area together because it is actually in the development objectives, especially concerning regional development, to reduce gaps and ensure equality.

"Because nowadays we cannot build on our own but must be together, so it needs communication and integration between all related parties," said Eko.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of Village Government Development, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Yusharto Huntuyungo, M.Pd, responded positively to UNG's particular economic zone program. According to him, this program is essential because it involves developing rural areas, including several villages that are developed in collaboration with one another.