East Java Governor Khofifah Forms Green Industrial Forum

SURABAYA - The East Java Provincial Government formed a Green Industry Forum whose membership consisted of six elements, including universities, business actors, as well as certification, research and finance institutions, apart from the internal local provincial government.

"These six institutions will be the strength to identify the need to create a green industry," said East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, July 29.

According to him, the East Java Green Industry Forum will soon hold a coordination meeting (rakor), after its management will be inaugurated on July 28, 2023 in Surabaya.

One of them, the coordination meeting will formulate an action plan to accelerate the realization of the green industry in East Java. Including, so that East Java can take part in realizing the zero emission target in 2060 more significantly.

"If there is awareness from all stakeholders, it will be our entry point to create a more massive green industry, even a green economy, then also a green infrastructure, and a green finance," he said.

The East Java Industry and Trade Office (Disperindag) noted that 344 companies in the local province had green industry standards. However, only 11 companies have obtained green industry certificates.

Governor Khofifah revealed that the Green Industry Forum is an urgent need to accelerate companies in East Java in order to obtain green industry certificates.

"If only the provincial government strives for it, it will definitely not follow suit," he said.

Khofifah said that in many international forums, climate change is often formulated into many new agreements.

"Including certain industrial sectors whose products are exported to certain countries, it requires having qualifications as a green industry," he said.

The East Java Provincial Government, continued Khofifah, will provide benefits and rewards for green small and medium industry (IKM) innovators.

Furthermore, the pioneer of the green industry is expected to get benefits from the central government.

"We will communicate to Bank Jatim to provide benefits with certain schemes for green IKM innovators. Likewise, green industry pioneers are expected to be able to prioritize certain schemes from the central government," he said.