Amid the celebrations of Cirebon City's 599th Anniversary, an impressive figure was revealed by West Java Provincial Secretary, Herman Suryatman.
Speaking in Cirebon City, he highlighted the enormous economic potential of the Rebana Metropolitan Area, estimated at approximately IDR 600 trillion.
This figure is more than just a statistic.
For the Greater Cirebon region, it represents a significant opportunity to attract investment, create employment, and reduce poverty and unemployment.
Speaking to reporters after attending the Plenary Session commemorating the 599th Anniversary of Cirebon City at the Cirebon City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Building on Tuesday (June 16, 2026), Herman emphasized that Cirebon City and its surrounding areas hold strategic opportunities within the development of the Rebana Metropolitan Area.
"Regarding the Rebana Area, I believe it contributes around 20 percent of West Java's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). West Java's GRDP is approximately IDR 3,000 trillion. Twenty percent of that amounts to roughly IDR 600 trillion. I believe this is a substantial economic pie for Rebana and for the Greater Cirebon region," Herman stated on Tuesday (June 16, 2026).
According to him, the scale of this economic value demonstrates that the future growth of West Java will not rely solely on industrial zones in the western part of the province but will also expand eastward through the development of the Rebana Metropolitan Area.
He noted that the prospects for economic growth in the Greater Cirebon region are exceptionally promising.
Several regencies within the region have already recorded economic growth rates that exceed the provincial average.
"The opportunities for growth are extraordinary. Several regencies in the Greater Cirebon area have achieved economic growth above the West Java average, including Majalengka and Kuningan. I believe this presents a significant opportunity to attract even greater investment," he said.
However, Herman stressed that investment should not be viewed as the ultimate goal of development.
The presence of capital and industry must generate tangible benefits for local communities and improve public welfare.
"Hopefully, the impact will be a significant reduction in poverty and unemployment. Investment is merely a tool to achieve those outcomes," he explained.
The Rebana Metropolitan Area is a strategic economic development zone in West Java centered on three key growth hubs: Kertajati in Majalengka Regency, Patimban in Subang Regency, and Cirebon.