TRIBUNJABAR.ID, CIREBON – The queue of investments coming into Cirebon Regency continues to grow, drawing serious attention from the local government.

The amount of funds ready to be spent reaches approximately IDR 1.7 trillion. Unfortunately, this large capital inflow has not yet proceeded smoothly due to administrative issues, particularly concerning environmental documents.

The Cirebon Regency Government (Pemkab) has not stood still. Through the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Office (DPMPTSP), assistance steps have been taken so that the investment process does not stop halfway.

At least 11 investors are now being facilitated to make it easier to manage business permits.

Hilmi Rivai, Head of DPMPTSP Cirebon Regency, emphasized that the main problem lies in the completeness of the Environmental Management Effort (UPL) documents.

“Many business license applications cannot be processed because the documents are incomplete or do not correspond to field conditions,” Hilmi said on Saturday (September 6, 2025).

He explained that a common obstacle is reports that are merely copies from general templates. As a result, the contents of the documents do not match the facts at the project location.

“Sometimes the contents include invalid data, incorrect location maps, and unclear waste management plans,” he said.

To overcome this problem, the local government has opened more intensive consultation opportunities and encouraged investors to use the services of highly credible environmental consultants. The hope is that the UPL documents prepared fully comply with the regulations.

“Therefore, there must be actual data, accurate maps, and technical plans for waste management.”
“We only facilitate; the decision remains with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLH),” he explained.

Hilmi added that the licensing process cannot be fast because it must go through thorough scrutiny. Many aspects are assessed, including groundwater use, waste disposal systems, and potential impacts felt by the surrounding community.

“The principle is that industry should not be established first with problems arising later,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Cirebon Regency Government continues to strive to maintain balance. On one side, efforts to accelerate permits are ongoing, but on the other hand, environmental aspects must not be ignored.

“Investment must come in, but the environment must still be protected. If business actors comply and prepare the documents correctly, actually the process does not take long,” he said.

So far, investment realization in Cirebon Regency up to August 2025 has reached IDR 2.25 trillion. This figure is equivalent to 65 percent of the annual target set at IDR 3.2 trillion.

From the investment queue of IDR 1.7 trillion, it is estimated that it can absorb up to 10,000 new workers.

Hilmi assured that the local government does not want to lose investor interest merely because of technical problems. However, rules and standards must still be strictly enforced.

[SOURCE]