This stone (agate) can be used as souvenirs for Asian Games participants

The agate sale in Indonesia is deemed positive to boost the economy, particularly among small enterprises. Hence, Jakarta Provincial Government will use the agate as a souvenir for 2018 Asian Games, Indonesia's natural wealth can be more known among foreign countries.

Jakarta Vice Governor, Djarot Saiful Hidajat disclosed the Asian Games can be used as a promotional event in Indonesia's stone wealth. Therefore, the agate craftsmen will be nurtured, thus its stone could be used as souvenir for the Asian Games.

"We're going to host the Asian Games, in which this is our opportunity to introduce Indonesia's natural wealth. This stone (agate) can be used as souvenirs for Asian Games participants," said Djarot, on the sidelines of the opening of the National Gem Festival in Mangga Dua Square, Thursday (1/29).

According to him, agate among Indonesian people may already be familiar. But for foreign tourists, it is a new thing. Because this stone is very rare in other countries.

"It's a momentum to grow the creative industries in our country. We make Jakarta as the best center for creative industry. It should be done from now, considering there would be 45 countries come here for Asian Games," he told.

He mentions, Jakarta itself already have a market with the theme 'agate', namely Rawa Bening Market, East Jakarta. Possibly, it can also bring other creative industries. "They can enrich and grow themselves in each region, for instance in North Jakarta," he exclaimed.

He continued descriptions are obviously very important to attract tourists buy agate, such as the type, origin, and age. Commonly, its age could reach tens of years.

"We need a clear description to be the main attraction for foreign tourists," expressed former Blitar Mayor who claimed to have some collection of agate.