PORTALJABAR, KAB. BANDUNG BARAT -

Investment is a vital indicator of a region's economic growth. Currently, West Java Province has become a very attractive investment destination, realization in the last five years has been more than IDR 800 trillion and the record in 2023 will reach IDR 174.6 trillion.

This was stated by Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin through the Governor's Expert Staff for Economics and Development Dodo Suhendar at the opening of the 2023 West Java Mining Forum (WJMF) at the Mason Pine Hotel, West Bandung Regency, Tuesday (12/12/2023).

"Every investment realized per IDR 1 trillion can absorb 1,000 people so that with an investment of IDR 174.6 trillion we can absorb a workforce of around 174,000 people," said Dodo.

High investment in West Java also has an impact on increasing economic growth. Last year West Java's economic growth was the best in Java, growing 5.45 percent.

"In the second quarter of 2023, West Java's economic growth will be above the national average, namely 5.17 percent," he said.

West Java is also one of the provinces that has abundant natural resources and is trusted to receive the development of national strategic projects.

"Starting from the need for development materials, with West Java's abundant natural resource potential, mining is a vital sector," said Dodo.

"West Java also plays an important role in the realization of investment, supporting sustainable development of infrastructure and industry in West Java. "For example, PSN developments that have been realized in West Java include the Whoosh Fast Train project, West Java Kertajati International Airport, Cisumdawu Toll Road, and Patimban Port," he added.

Apart from that, the mining sector also creates job opportunities for the people of West Java, helping to reduce the unemployment rate.

"Revenue from the mining sector can also be used to finance other development programs, such as education and health," he said.

The West Java Provincial Government also encourages innovation in environmentally friendly mining technology. According to Dodo, using the latest technology can help reduce the negative impact of mining on the environment, while increasing efficiency and productivity in this sector.

"I also appeal to all mining business permit holders in the West Java region to be able to carry out mining business activities in accordance with the rules of good mining engineering," ordered Dodo.

Head of the West Java Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Service, Ai Saadiyah Dwidaningsih, said that WJMF 2023, which has the theme "Sustainable Mining For A Better Mining Future In West Java", was carried out in order to capture the aspirations of all relevant stakeholders, form synergy and increase harmonization in supporting good mining management in West Java.

"WJMF 2023 is a forum created to build the commitment of mining sector stakeholders in achieving SDG'S (Sustainable Development Goals) as well as evaluating the implementation of regulations and policies that have been delegated to ensure that mining activities are carried out in compliance with environmental and social standards," said Ai.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Commission IV of the West Java DPRD, Cucu Sugyati, appreciated the West Java Provincial Government through the ESDM Service for organizing this forum.

WJMF 2023 is a series of annual activities of the West Java ESDM Service, which started with the West Java Energy Forum (WJEF) on 26 June 2023 at the Bank Indonesia Representative Office, then the West Java Geology Forum (WJGF) on 16 November in Bandung Regency, and as closing, namely WJMF 2023.

After the opening, the event continued with the signing of a joint agreement by representatives of Mining Business License (IUP) holders as a form of commitment to implementing good mining governance by all IUP holders in West Java.

After that, there was a presentation delivered by the Special Staff of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources for the Acceleration of Mineral and Coal Governance and the Assistant Deputy for Mining of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, then a discussion panel featuring speakers from government, law enforcement, academics, associations and business actors.

(SOURCE)