Former Minister Of Finance Chatib Basri: West Java Needs Strategic Steps To Anticipate Global Impact

Former Finance Minister Muhammad Chatib Basri. (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Former Finance Minister Muhammad Chatib Basri said West Java needed strategic steps in anticipating the impact of the global economy.

"The global economy also has an impact on the national community, including West Java. Therefore, strategic steps are needed to explore the existing potential so that it can be boosted. Although currently West Java's economic growth is relatively good in the range of five percent," said Chatib Basri as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, June 26.

According to Chatib, various potentials can be developed considering that West Java has a large population to a beautiful nature, so that sectors such as tourism can be developed.

"There is also the potential for MSMEs. It's just that special attention and assistance are needed so that they can develop," he said.

He said, labor-intensive efforts must also be maintained, such as textiles and manufacturing, which are currently shaky, due to the impact of the global economy.

"The recovery or return of this industry is very important. The increase in purchasing power is very important, so that the manufacturing sector can run, including MSMEs," he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Governor of West Java Bey Sapi Machmudin said this activity is expected to be able to increase the capabilities of the OPD, so that the APBD issued can be maximized for the welfare of the community.

"In the future, there will be other resource persons, such as Mr. Jonan (Ignatius Jonan) to provide (matter). In essence, we want the ability of the OPD head to be the best, not only bureaucratic reform but also individually. In accordance with the principles of accountability, integrity, and responsibility," said Bey.

Regarding tourism, Bey Machmudin said, this sector is important to keep West Java PAD good so it needs to continue to be developed.

This, he continued, considering that the main source of West Java PAD, namely from motor vehicle taxes (PKB), has the potential to decrease, along with several new policies, including adjustments to profit-sharing funds (DBH) with cities/districts and transitions to electric vehicles.

"Meanwhile, tourism has not been lifted. Length of stay is very low in West Java. Even though it has to be two to three days before it feels the economic impact. That's our homework and it will be followed up by the Regional Secretary (Herman Suryatman)," he said.