Received a Visit from the Australian Ambassador, Ridwan Kamil Explains West Java's Economic Potential

Admin Kerja Sama / 08 December 2021 01:41

Received a Visit from the Australian Ambassador, Ridwan Kamil Explains West Java's Economic Potential

BANDUNG CITY – West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil received a working visit from the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams PSM. During the visit, Ridwan Kamil conveyed the economic potential and handling of COVID-19 in West Java.

According to Ridwan Kamil, West Java's economic potential is huge. In the second quarter of 2012 West Java's economic growth grew 6.13 percent compared to the same period last year (year on year).

In terms of investment, West Java is a favorite destination for investors. The realization of foreign investment (PMA) and domestic investment (PMDN) in West Java in the first semester of 2021 has reached IDR 72.46 trillion.

In detail, the realization of PMA is Rp. 44.27 trillion and the realization of PMDN is Rp. 28.19 trillion. This figure has reached 56.90 percent of the target set by the Ministry of Investment or the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) of IDR 127 trillion in 2021.

"Our biggest economy is from industry because West Java is the home of industry. We are the number one investment destination," said Ridwan Kamil at the Pakuan Building, Wednesday (10/13/2021).

In terms of handling COVID-19, conditions in West Java are much better. Based on United Against COVID-19 data as of October 9, the hospital bed occupancy rate (BOR) in West Java is only 4.03 percent.

While the number of active cases is only 0.29 percent. Currently, West Java is preparing to move from a pandemic to an endemic.

"Our BOR is only 4 percent from 91 percent. So we continue to maintain health protocols and we are looking forward to preparing for an endemic," said the man who is often called Kang Emil.

On the other hand, the West Java Provincial Government is also preparing seven new post-COVID-19 economies. The seven economies in question are seizing investment opportunities for companies moving from China, self-sufficiency in food, self-sufficiency in technology, encouraging business opportunities in the health sector, digital innovation, green business or the application of a sustainable economy, and local tourism.

"West Java is also currently preparing seven new economies after COVID-19," said Ridwan Kamil.

Meanwhile, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams PSM said this meeting was to discuss cooperation between the two countries. This collaboration covers several fields ranging from education, investment, digital economy, and sustainable development.

"I am pleased to start my first working visit to West Java today to learn and deepen the closeness between West Java and Australia," said Ambassador Williams.

According to him, West Java is home to various new jobs that open up investment opportunities and economic cooperation between our countries. This is made possible by the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).

Drivers of economic activity, said Williams, will become increasingly important to support the prosperity of the Australian and Indonesian people, as our countries are struggling together to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, Ambassador Williams will meet with Australian businesses in West Java to discuss economic expansion and investment opportunities related to the IA-CEPA. Meetings with partners in the education sector will provide an opportunity to exchange up-to-date information on student exchange opportunities and educational cooperation, as both countries recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Australian government has announced the next steps for lifting international restrictions in the coming months. Including expanding the type of vaccine that is recognized, namely the Sinovac vaccine to accommodate tourists who enter from Indonesia.

Then, Ambassador Williams will meet with the West Java Digital Service (JDS) to learn about the role of big data and technology innovation supported by Australia, in dealing with COVID-19 in West Java.

Ambassador Williams is also planned to visit the Great Mosque of Bandung, West Java Province. (gear/rdi)

source: https://jabarprov.go.id/index.php/news/44295/2021/10/14/Terima-Kunjungan-Duta-Besar-Australia-Ridwan-Kamil-Paparkan-Potensi-Ekonomi-Jabar