Gathering With Sundanese Leader, Erick Thohir: I'm Home Village

Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir. (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir admitted that he was always happy when he visited West Java (West Java). He felt like he had returned home considering that his mother was from Kadipaten, Majalengka.

"Every time I return to West Java, it means that I return home. Because I am a Majalengka person. My mother is originally from Kadipaten, Majalengka," said Erick during a visit to the residence of West Java elder HD Sutisno in Bandung, West Java, Friday 2 December.

Erick was also grateful to be able to establish friendship with Sundanese elders and figures such as Ceu Popong, Dindin Maolani, Chairman of the Sunda Indigenous Community Eka Santosa, Yayat Purwita, Former West Java Deputy Governor Numan Abdul Hakim, Chairman of the Forestry Society Dadang Hendaris, Dada Rosada, Chairman of Pemuda Pancasila West Java, to Chairman of ICMI West Java Prof Sutarman.

"I want to see and make sure, the elder of Sarang Wargi in West Java is sararehat (in health), sarareeneng (in joy), saralamet (in safety or smooth life). The current situation and next year there are many bad economic conditions, there is nothing wrong with listening to the figures, we must dare to overcome problems, especially in West Java," he continued.

As a young Sundanese, Erick admitted that he grew up with a big dream to contribute to the Indonesian people, for the Indonesian people. As mandated by the late father, Mochamad Thohir, and mother, Edna Thohir from Majalengka.

From the start, Erick built Muslim and Kerakyatan media, namely Republika, the first Indonesian Muslim newspaper since 1993. Then he grew into a media group Mahaka, to basketball and football at home to abroad.

"Among them I lead Inter Milan in Italy, and of course I also help Persib here. I am now in BUMN, always pay attention to the development and economic recovery of the people in West Java. Especially programs to help the people, for MSMEs, and to open up the widest possible employment opportunities," said Erick.

Erick explained that a number of SOE programs include the Digital Market Program (PaDi UMKM); MEKAAR Program to help mothers who have businesses or MSMEs; Prosperous Farmers Program; Fisherman's Solution Program; Santri and Islamic Boarding School Program as a beacon of civilization & the economy of the people; Student Trade Program Amplification.

"BUMN also continues to open up a lot of jobs, like now. SOEs open the widest opportunity for West Java youth to join and contribute to Indonesia with SOEs; TJSL programs for the fields of Education, Environment, and MSMEs," said Erick.

In addition, there is a Social Healing Program, run to enter the alleys of residents' houses, especially to help residents rise from the pandemic; Building mosques in Depok, West Java & in Los Angeles, United States.

"If I look at the At-Thohir Mosque in America, it's like Kabayan is still going to America," continued Erick.

Even though he came from the village, Erick was grateful to be able to go to high school, set up a business, and was trusted by the President to become Minister of SOEs. This is thanks to the experience, education, and affection of parents.

"As I feel right here, the amount of kanyaah (love) from the Sunda elder and West Java Wargi. Hatur nuhun. In the future, West Java will certainly continue to be in my care. Together we will overcome the various challenges faced by the Indonesian people, with the elders of Sundanese," said Erick.