The East Java Provincial Government continues to make efforts to increase investment in East Java. One of the efforts is to hold an East Java Investival at the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Surabaya Hotel on Thursday (26/11).
Head of the East Java Province One Stop Investment and Integrated Service (DPM PTSP) Aris Mukiyono said the activity was the second event after the success of EJI 2019. Through EJI, the provincial government is trying to attract new investment both domestically and abroad to enter East Java.
“EJI 2020 is East Java’s effort to boost investment, which is one of the important elements in the framework of economic recovery,” said Aris.
However, because it is still in a pandemic situation, EJI 2020 was held online with four main agendas. Namely the Business Forum, One on One Business Meeting, Matchmaking, and Exhibition.
The agenda, which was opened by the Governor of East Java Khofifah Indar Parawansa, was attended by various figures. For example, the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia Yohannes Wibowo, the British Ambassador Owen Jenkins, the Head of BKPM Bahlil Laha, and the Chairperson of the Dekranasda Arumi Emil Dardak.
“I hope EJI can become the entrance and main gate for foreign and domestic investment to enter East Java,” said Khofifah.
The first female governor in East Java also saw the strength of UMKM. According to him, UMKM are the main weapon in improving the country’s economy.
“There will be a team from Bank Indonesia that will provide assistance and a curation team for UMKM. President Jokowi on Wednesday (25/11) said that the APBN and APBD 2.5 billion must absorb micro-businesses. On top of that, it is mandatory to absorb the products of small and medium enterprises. This means that UMKM products are important for improving the economy, “explained Khofifah.
Khofifah also said that on the same day, she participated in an activity called the UMKM Virtual Expo. In the event, he learned from the ambassador from Laos who was able to improve the economy during the pandemic. “So in this context, a regional comprehensive partnership is a strength and an entry point for cooperation,” said Khofifah.
The next plan, continued Khofifah, is to synergize the work and programs of UMKM with BUMN. He hopes that a large amount of investment can be achieved. He refers to the global Islamic economy, which does not include Indonesia in it.
“According to the global Islamic economy, halal food in Indonesia has not entered the top 10 in the world. But fashion has entered. Don’t we already have culinary wealth? We will look for developers and advisors so that Indonesian cuisine can go global, “said Khofifah.
During the event, Khofifah gave an award to an Investment Ambassador. They are teenagers who are lined up to expand investment in various regions, as well as become influencers on social media. They are Mohammad Faizal Mantovani (Mojokerto), Kyagus Badrus (Probolinggo), Shinta Romadhoni (Kediri), Andre Septian Pratama (Gresik), Fiki Hardyansyah (Ponorogo).
“I hope these young people are able to increase investment and provide an understanding of the importance of investment for economic development,” said Khofifah.