Bisnis.com, GARUT - The Garut Regency Investment and Integrated Services Service (DPMPT) stated that leather goods and footwear are one of the largest contributing industries to investment realization in Garut Regency, West Java.

Last year, this sector contributed IDR 137.6 billion. Meanwhile, the total investment realization in Garut Regency was IDR 1.35 trillion. Head of DPMPT Garut Wahyudijaya said this large contribution was supported by the existence of a leather craft center in the Sukaregang area and the establishment of a number of footwear industries in the northern region of Garut. "The second largest is the textile industry with a total of IDR 129 billion. The remaining amount is just under IDR 40 billion. This means that the leather industry still has the opportunity to continue to rise. This has been happening for a long time," said Wahyudijaya to Bisnis.com, Monday (26/2/2024 ).

Even though it still relies on the leather and footwear industry,  the Garut Regency Government still hopes for other labor-intensive industries. The industrial areas of Selaawi, Limbangan and Cibatu districts have been prepared.

"Garut also wants to be like other regions that are also being looked at by investors, such as Karawang," he said.

The Garut Regency Government is targeting an investment of IDR 1.5 trillion in 2024. Last year, investment realization in one area of ​​South West Java was only able to reach IDR 1.35 trillion.

Previously, the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs (MenKopUKM) encouraged Garut to become a 'mecca' for leather fashion. Currently, the district already has a Leather Commodity Joint Production House (RPB).

Coordinating Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises Teten Masduki said that the existence of leather crafts in Garut has been around for hundreds of years. However, in terms of quality, local products still have difficulty penetrating foreign markets such as Italy.

According to Teten, in Italy craftsmen have been able to develop machine technology as a means of production. Meanwhile, the majority in Garut still rely on traditional tools. "We hope that Garut will become a center for developing the leather ecosystem in Garut Regency. "So, Garut leather products can be famous internationally and Garut leather brands can rise in class," said Teten.

(SOURCE)