Building Resilient Cities: DPMPTSP Strategy to Attract Quality Investment at APEKSI Forum
Medan – Increasing regional investment value is a primary pillar in accelerating urban development. Addressing this strategic challenge, APEKSI, in collaboration with the Medan City Government, held a Business and Investment Forum attended by heads and representatives of the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service (DPMPTSP) from various cities across Indonesia. The first day of the forum took place at the Medan Public Service Mall.
Carrying the main theme ‘Realising Resilient and Sovereign Cities through Quality Investment’, the agenda, which is part of the XVIII APEKSI National Working Meeting, facilitated agency leaders in formulating tactical steps to optimise their regional potential to attract investors.
The forum was structured comprehensively into two main sessions. In the first session, participants’ insights were enriched through a talk show presenting cross-sectoral discourse. From a macroeconomic perspective, the Executive Director of CORE Indonesia, Muhammad Faisal, Ph.D., outlined strategies for repositioning cities in the global supply chain and the importance of investment downstreaming. This presentation was complemented by a representative from the Ministry of Tourism, Rendi Rusgian, who explored promising investment opportunities in the tourism sector.
Beyond theoretical focus, the forum also highlighted real-world case studies. The Head of DPMPTSP Surabaya City, Ir. Lasidi, S.T., M.T., shared successful best practices implemented in his region. Furthermore, an international collaboration dimension was introduced through a presentation by the Consul General of Malaysia in Medan, Shahril Nizam Abdul Malek, regarding cross-border market opportunities, alongside strategic direction from the Deputy Secretary General of CITYNET, Dr. Ir. Aisa Tobing, MSc., on strengthening global urban governance networks.
In the second session, the agenda shifted to an interactive discussion space aimed at formulating policy recommendations. This reflective session provided a platform for DPMPTSP officials to dissect real challenges frequently encountered in the field. Several crucial issues emerged, including the urgency of improving human resource capacity, particularly foreign language skills for global investor negotiations. Additionally, bureaucratic hurdles were seen as limiting proactive regional initiatives, alongside the need to adapt services to digital technology.
Overall, the Business and Investment Forum received high appreciation from participants. The presence of speakers from diverse backgrounds—ranging from economists and bureaucrats to international practitioners—was deemed successful in addressing the essential needs of the agencies. Through this comprehensive understanding, DPMPTSP offices are expected to continue transforming into frontline agencies that not only excel in licensing services but are also reliable in realising urban economic resilience on the global stage.