Encouraging West Java MSMEs To Save Carbon, Ridwan Kamil: Strive For Local Raw Materials Instead Of Buying Imports

Ridwan Kamil (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - West Java Governor M. Ridwan Kamil encourages SMEs in West Java to adopt an efficient or low-carbon lifestyle. This carbon-saving lifestyle can be started by choosing local raw materials in the production process of MSME products.

"If possible, try to use local raw materials instead of buying imports. It saves carbon," said Ridwan Kamil while attending the opening of the West Java Creative Works (KKJ) and West Java Craft Week (PKJB) 2022 in Bandung City, Saturday, quoted from Antara.

The fourth KKJ and PKJB initiated by Bank Indonesia West Java Representatives and the West Java Regional National Craft Council (Dekranasda) featured premium products from 87 creative MSMEs ranging from crafts, fashion, culinary, and creative industries.

KKJ and PKJB carry the theme "Green Economy and Inclusive Finance for Sustainable Economic Acceleration".

On that occasion, Ridwan Kamil said that the green economy is often misunderstood by people who often think of the green economy as a recycling activity.

"This year's theme is the green economy. I want to remind you because the word green is often not understood, it is thought that it is just recycling," said Kang Emil.

In fact, the definition of green is a low-carbon human activity.

According to Kang Emil, the current lifestyle of the community is quite carbon-intensive because they still rely on gasoline which is obtained by dredging the bowels of the earth.

Excess carbon volume causes global warming or the greenhouse effect. This makes the weather erratic and difficult to predict, thus threatening food security.

"Excess carbon makes the weather unpredictable, so harvests are difficult to predict and can threaten food security. The potential for a tsunami is also high," he said.

Product sales should be maximized first for the local market.

For example, MSME products from Bogor can prioritize the Jabodetabek market which can save on carbon use.

"So for a green economy, let's maximize local strength, local resources, sell at the local level, and if possible the energy is also green energy, namely utilizing geothermal energy, solar energy, water, wind, and so on," he said.

The purpose of holding the KKJ and PKJB 2022 is to encourage the expansion of MSME market access, encourage the transition of MSMEs to a sustainable green economy, and encourage MSMEs to implement the sharia economy.

Access to MSME finance is also opened as wide as possible through business matching with banks, as well as digitizing MSMEs.

"Hopefully this spirit will color the pride of West Java," said Kang Emil.

Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahudin Uno also appreciated the 2022 KKJ and PKJB.

In his virtual speech, Sandiaga hoped that more creative industry players and MSMEs would support tourism in West Java.

"Congratulations on holding the West Java Creative Works and West Java Craft Week 2022, hopefully, more creative industry players and MSMEs can support the tourism sector," he said.

Sandiaga is optimistic that the event will support economic revival and create the widest possible employment opportunities.

Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs Teten Masduki also conveyed his appreciation. In accordance with the theme of inclusive finance, the KKJ and PJKB 2022 also signed a credit agreement between MSMEs and seven banks. Over the next three days, KKJ and PKJB 2022 will be filled with talk shows and workshops bring in various experts.

In addition, various complete information about West Java tourism, G20 events, banking services, and entertainment from a number of musicians.