Bappenas: Industrial zones must leverage human resources, natural resources, and technology
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of National Development Planning/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (PPN/Bappenas), Rachmat Pambudy, stated that the development of industrial zones in regions must rely on the optimal utilisation of natural resources (SDA), supported by human resource (SDM) capacity, and mastery of technology.
In a meeting with the Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi Ansharullah, the Minister of PPN highlighted the comparative advantages possessed by Sumatra, ranging from fertile land, mineral content, to the quality of SDM. This combination is considered a strong foundation for promoting value-added economic growth.
“The most fertile land, with abundant and good minerals, is there. The smartest people are also there. So, if such great potential cannot be utilised to help national development, then we need to evaluate together where the problem lies,” he said, as per an official statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Rachmat Pambudy also highlighted the importance of accelerating technology adoption in processing SDA.
He believes technology is key to creating added value and enhancing the competitiveness of the national industry.
Without mastery of technology, he continued, the vast SDA potential risks not providing maximum economic benefits.
On the same occasion, the Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi, conveyed that the regional government has prepared strategic steps to develop SDA-based industrial zones in an integrated manner.
This momentum will initiate the development of the zone into a new industrial-based city supported by investment and raw material readiness.
The industrial zone is planned to be connected to port infrastructure, as well as the development of the energy sector, including potential cooperation with Bukit Asam.
Meanwhile, the readiness of basic infrastructure is said to be showing positive developments. The available port becomes one of the main advantages in supporting logistics and industrial activities.
The regional government has also communicated with investors for the development of refinery and petrochemical facilities.
“The West Sumatra Provincial Government targets this zone to develop into a new economic growth centre,” Mahyeldi stated.