Encourages To Be A New Center For Growth, Erick Thohir Strengthens The West Java Industrial Ecosystem

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

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir is in touch with the elders and Sundanese figures at HD Sutisno's residence in Bandung, West Java (Jabar), Friday, December 2. During the meeting, Erick received a lot of input related to efforts to improve the economy in West Java from the elders and Sundanese leaders.

"From the earthquake management in Cianjur, we are both trying to solve other problems in West Java. As the province closest to the capital city of Jakarta, West Java is an important part of development in Indonesia," said Erick.

With a population of up to 276 million, Erick assessed that the Indonesian economy is not enough to rely solely on Jakarta and other big cities such as Surabaya. According to Erick, Indonesia has at least 10 major cities to improve the economy.

"It is impossible for development to only focus on Jakarta, Surabaya, so now in West Java development is widened. The territory of Indonesia is 75 percent of the sea, 25 percent of the land, meaning that land constraints are also things that must be given solutions in many areas, especially in West Java," said the man with Majalengka blood.

Erick said Indonesia would face future economic challenges due to the recession. For this reason, said Erick, SOEs and the government certainly cannot be alone and require support from many parties, including leaders in West Java.

He conveyed that the issue of employment is still a crucial issue in West Java. Therefore, continued Erick, SOEs are committed to increasing the ecosystem by integrating Patimban Port, Kertajati Airport, with the Subang industrial area.

"Where does the contents come from? We move the Pulogadung industry to West Java because Pulogadung is no longer suitable for industrial land. This cooperation we have to talk about. Do not let the construction of Kertajati, Patimban, Fast Train, then there is no industrial building for the opening of employment," said Erick.