News - 2026 Suara Nusantara Festival Attracts 1,120 Participants, Boosts West Java's Creative Economy

2026 Suara Nusantara Festival Attracts 1,120 Participants, Boosts West Java's Creative Economy

Aug, 27 2026

JAKARTA – The 2026 Suara Nusantara Folklore Storytelling Festival was held for the third time, serving not only as a platform for cultural and local language preservation but also as a catalyst for human resource development and the culture-based creative economy.

Organized by PT Navaswara Bhuwana Kencana on August 22–23, 2026, at the Bogor Regency Regional Secretariat Auditorium, this year's festival carried the theme "Reviving West Java Legends, Inspiring the Future."

The event drew high public interest, registering 1,120 participants from across West Java who submitted storytelling videos for selection. From this pool, 40 top storytellers representing 16 regencies and cities advanced to the semifinals.

Chairperson of the Suara Nusantara Committee and Managing Director of PT Navaswara Bhuwana Kencana, Cahaya Manthovani, expressed surprise at the enthusiastic response:

“To be honest, I was shocked to receive a total of 1,120 applicants. Today, we have the 40 best storytellers from 16 regencies and cities, bringing their own stories and regional languages to a single stage,” Cahaya said.

Focus on Human Resource & Literacy Development
Head of the Language Development and Fostering Agency at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Hafidz Muksin, highlighted the link between storytelling, literacy, and human capital growth:

“The Language Agency extends its highest appreciation to Suara Nusantara for acting as a strategic government partner in promoting reading culture, literacy, and human resource quality,” Hafidz stated, adding that promoting the Sundanese language through creative events enhances communication and critical understanding.

West Java Regional Secretary Herman Suryatman added that building human resources requires four core competencies: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.

“Critical thinking must be nurtured starting from elementary through senior high school. Children must be able to evaluate their surroundings critically. When challenges are tackled together, nothing is impossible,” Herman noted.

Promoting the Creative Economy and Talent Growth
The festival also fosters the regional creative economy through performing arts, content creation, cultural tourism, and talent development.

In the final round, 20 finalists across four categories performed one of 15 selected West Java folktales, evaluated on vocal delivery, expression, characterization, and creativity. The panel of judges included representatives from Ayo Dongeng Indonesia (AyoDi).

Festival Prize Categories
1st Place: IDR 5,000,000, 2nd Place: IDR 3,000,000, 3rd Place: IDR 2,000,000, Best Costume & Fan Favorite: IDR 1,000,000 each and Runner-up: IDR 500,000

Representing Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto, Assistant for Economy and Development Trian Turangga expressed hope that bringing diverse cultural stories together will strengthen national pride and mutual understanding.

[Source]

Deputy Minister of Investment: Presence of Catalyst Factory Encourages Independence in Energy Downstreaming

Karawang, West Java (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstream Todotua Pasaribu said the presence of a catalyst factory in Cikampek, Karawang Regency, West Java, can encourage the independence of energy downstreaming. "So far, for catalyst needs, we import. Now with this factory we hope to be independent," said Todotua after the inauguration of the first production of two new catalysts from PT Katalis Sinergi Indonesia, Karawang, Wednesday. He said that with the catalyst factory, it is hoped that Indonesia will achieve independence and no longer depend on imports. The manufacture of catalysts as an energy supporter is in line with President Prabowo's Astacita in the environmentally friendly energy sector. Biofuels will be an option besides electric vehicles. "Catalysts are also materials related to downstreaming in the chemical, refinery and oil and gas industries. The raw materials are in our country, cobalt, nickel, zeolite, molybdenum, to zinc, all materials are in Indonesia and have extraordinary reserves," he said. A catalyst is a substance that can accelerate and direct chemical reactions when converting a raw material into another desired material. As in the manufacture of biofuels, catalysts function to accelerate reactions in the process of converting palm oil or castor oil into biofuels (BBN). Be it gasoline, biodiesel, even aviation fuel or avtur. This biofuel is projected to be widely used in the future. This is because fossil fuels will run out because they cannot be renewed. With catalysts, Indonesia is expected to be able to reduce the use of fossil fuels in everyday life. President Director of Katalis Sinergi Indonesia Hadiyanto said that his company was established on 2 hectares of land in the Kujang Cikampek Industrial Area and has been operating since two years ago. This factory is the result of a consortium, which includes PT Pertamina Lubricants (38 percent), PT Pupuk Indonesia through Pupuk Kujang (37 percent), and PT Rekacipta Inovasi ITB (25 percent). Currently, Katalis Sinergi Indonesia can produce hydrotreating catalysts as an important ingredient in the manufacture of biofuels that convert palm oil into diesel oil (D100). In addition, it can also make oleochemical catalysts for various industries. This factory has a production capacity of 800 tons per year. When it was established two years ago, there were seven types of catalysts produced, but currently Katalis Sinergi Indonesia can produce 13 types of catalyst products. The products are nine types of hydrotreating catalysts and four types of oleochemical catalysts. "With the support of ITB, Pertamina, and Pupuk Kujang, we will continue to strive to provide catalysts that are useful in various industrial sectors, including innovating to add new products," said Hadiyanto. According to him, there are currently two new products being produced, namely the SGB VII catalyst to support the biofuel or organic fuel industry. The catalyst functions to separate sulfur in the production process at PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional in Kasim, Papua. The next new product is the ME-Kat 200 type catalyst. The catalyst functions to process methyl esters or vegetable oils into fatty alcohols or fatty alcohols. This substance is commonly used in various materials related to fuels such as paint, coatings, and even pharmaceuticals. (SOURCE)

Mar, 21 2025

Bank Indonesia Reminds West Java Economic Challenges Impacted by Global Geopolitics

AYOBANDUNG.COM - Bank Indonesia is optimistic that the West Java economy will grow, despite several challenges related to global geopolitics which are expected to affect the national and West Java economies. According to the Head of Bank Indonesia (BI) West Java, Muhamad Nur, there are several factors supporting West Java's economic growth. Among them are improvements in domestic demand, where the increase in the West Java Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP) and the 13th salary payment incentive are expected to boost domestic demand. "Elections and regional elections in 2024, intense political activities can provide a boost to the local economy. Then the growing trend of digitalization in West Java opens up new opportunities for various industrial sectors," he explained. In addition, the investment climate is maintained. Where the increased optimism of business people after the one-round election provides a positive signal for the investment climate. Horticultural deflation in the second quarter of 2024 indicates an improvement in horticultural productivity in West Java. "Infrastructure development such as the Bocimi and Getaci toll roads is improving connectivity between the North and South West Java regions," he explained. Nevertheless, West Java is also faced with several serious challenges, including the uncertainty of the Fed Funds Rate (FFR) decline. In line with the increasing unemployment rate in the United States. Then central bank policy divergence. Various policies taken by the Central Banks of world countries on the dynamics of the global economy add to the uncertainty. "The conflict in the Middle East that escalated after the death of the Hamas leader added pressure to global stability," said M Nur. In terms of the industrial sector, the performance of exports and the processing industry is restrained due to conditions of global economic uncertainty. Then it is necessary to watch out for potential crop failures. Seasonal shifts have the potential to cause the failure of the gadu rice harvest. Scarring Effect of El Nino: The ongoing El Nino condition has resulted in a non-optimal rice harvest. SOURCE

Aug, 08 2024

PLN Connects New Electricity for Industry in Garut, Supporting Productivity and Investment

TRIBUNJABAR.ID - GARUT – PT PLN (Persero) Customer Service Implementation Unit (UP3) Garut has reinforced its support for the industrial sector by energizing a new 240,000 VA electricity connection for a manufacturing company in Garut Regency, PT Mandala Logam Utama, on Thursday (30/7). This service is expected to support the smooth operation of the company while boosting industrial productivity in the region. This new electricity connection is part of PLN's commitment to providing a reliable, safe, and high-quality power supply for industrial customers. A reliable energy supply is considered a key factor in maintaining the continuity of production processes and enhancing business competitiveness. Manager of PLN UP3 Garut, Atikah Dewi Anggreny, stated that PLN continuously strives to deliver the best service to all customers, particularly in the industrial sector, which plays a vital role in driving the local economy. "The energization of electricity for PT Mandala Logam Utama demonstrates PLN's commitment to supporting the energy needs of the industrial sector. We are ready to deliver a reliable, safe, and high-quality power supply so that customer operations can run optimally and contribute positively to the economic growth of Garut Regency," said Atikah. PT Mandala Logam Utama is a manufacturing company engaged in rubber processing, producing various industrial components such as rubber rings, rubber seals, and other rubber-based products. Located on Jalan Raya Bandung–Garut, Kadungora District, the company markets its products to various regions across Indonesia. With PLN's electricity support, the company is expected to optimize its production capacity and strengthen its competitiveness in the national market. Meanwhile, General Manager of PLN West Java Distribution Main Unit (UID), Muhammad Joharifin, emphasized that PLN will continue to strengthen power system reliability to support business growth and the investment climate in West Java. "PLN is committed to being a strategic partner for the business sector through the provision of reliable and sustainable electricity. We hope that the availability of high-quality power will boost industrial productivity, strengthen company competitiveness, and deliver a positive impact on regional economic growth," said Joharifin. Through this new electricity connection, PLN reaffirms its role as an energy provider supporting the growth of the industrial and investment sectors. The availability of reliable power is expected to drive increased productivity, strengthen the business climate, and provide added value for sustainable economic development in Garut Regency [Source]

Aug, 06 2026

West Java Investment in 2025 Highest Nationally, KDM: Jabar Trusted by Investors

West Java Province remains the largest investment destination in Indonesia throughout 2025. Based on data from the Ministry of Investment/BKPM RI, investment realization in West Java in 2025 reached Rp 296.8 trillion or 109.9 percent of the set target. This achievement makes West Java the province with the highest investment realization in Indonesia. The 2025 investment figure increased by 18.21 percent compared to 2024, which was recorded at Rp 251.14 trillion. West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi said that the investment realization exceeding the target is a positive signal for the West Java economy amid global challenges. With this achievement, West Java remains the main national investment destination while contributing significantly to Indonesia’s economic growth. He said that the high level of investment in West Java cannot be separated from the hard work of various parties in creating a conducive, inclusive, and sustainable investment climate. “The West Java Provincial Government continues to ensure that investment in West Java is safe and easy so that it is trusted by investors,” said KDM, the nickname of Dedi Mulyadi, Thursday (15/1/2026). Of the total investment realization, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reached Rp 147.02 trillion. Meanwhile, Domestic Investment (DDI) amounted to Rp 149.8 trillion. This composition shows a balance between domestic and foreign investment in driving regional economic growth. This also serves as an important indicator that West Java’s economic development does not solely rely on foreign capital, but is also strengthened by national business actors. KDM hopes that the large amount of investment entering West Java can create job opportunities, drive micro, small, and medium enterprises, and encourage equitable development across regions, thereby improving public welfare. He added that the West Java Provincial Government will continue to strengthen the investment climate by making various improvements, such as simplifying licensing and bureaucracy, as well as strengthening investment-supporting infrastructure, including industrial areas and interregional connectivity. KDM also ensured that investment in West Java runs in harmony with environmental sustainability and local wisdom. “West Java is open to investment, but remains grounded in the interests of the people,” he said. [Source]

Mar, 17 2026

Bekasi, Karawang, and Subang: West Java Affected by Industrial Area Thuggery, Foreign Investment Impacted

TRIBUNJABAR.ID, BANDUNG – The phenomenon of thuggery (premanisme) in industrial areas is increasingly worrying. Several strategic locations in Indonesia such as Tangerang, Bekasi, Karawang, as well as regions in Central and East Java are frequently under the spotlight. Even new industrial zones like Subang in West Java, which should be new economic growth centers, are not spared from the impact. This was revealed by Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), Sanny Iskandar, who emphasized that this situation is not only a nightmare for business actors but also significantly affects foreign investment flows. According to him, this disruption is not a small matter because its effects broadly hinder the pace of the national economy. “The losses are not only in numbers experienced by business players currently operating but also the losses experienced by the country due to the blocked potential investments that should have come in,” said Sanny in a statement in Jakarta, reported by Kompas.com on Wednesday (July 30, 2025). As Chairman of the Industrial Estate Association (HKI), Sanny revealed that similar complaints have come from various other industrial areas in Indonesia. Not only Subang, which is currently linked with large projects like BYD, but also Batam in the Riau Islands, has begun to experience similar disturbances. “Even new areas like Subang, which was recently connected to BYD and related projects, are also affected by this thuggery. It extends to the Riau Islands, especially Batam. This is very disturbing,” he explained. According to Sanny, the root of proliferating thuggery in industrial areas cannot be separated from labor issues. Limited job opportunities, high layoffs (PHK), and some parties’ unpreparedness to face market challenges contribute to this problem. “There is indeed a correlation, besides the need for alertness from security apparatus that is still required,” said Sanny. Therefore, Apindo urges the government together with law enforcement to tighten supervision and firmly act against thuggery practices. This step is considered important to create a safe, conducive business climate capable of attracting more investors to invest in Indonesia. [SOURCE]

Nov, 24 2025

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