Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment Makes Banyumas a Pilot for Export Zone
Banyumas, Central Java – The Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment (Kemenko PM) has designated Banyumas Regency, Central Java, as the pilot project site for an Integrated Community Empowerment Ecosystem based on Export Zones. The programme aims to optimise local economic potential while accelerating poverty reduction.
“In terms of poverty levels, Banyumas remains a focus. However, field facts show that this region possesses immense potential, particularly regarding coconut commodities, which can be developed into an export zone,” said Abdul Haris, Deputy for Coordination of Village Empowerment, Underdeveloped, and Specific Villages at Kemenko PM, during the programme’s launch in Cilongok District, Banyumas, on Thursday.
The pilot project was launched by the Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar, and was attended by the Regent of Banyumas, Sadewo Tri Lastiono, Member of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Siti Mukaromah, representatives from universities, the business sector, philanthropic organisations, and various other stakeholders.
Abdul Haris stated that Cilongok District was selected as the initial location due to its significant coconut-based economic potential, which is deemed capable of driving community welfare if managed through an integrated approach.
“We hope all relevant ministries can synchronise their programmes so that the development of this export zone runs more optimally and delivers a tangible impact on the community,” he said.
He noted that the Cilongok area possesses approximately 105,000 coconut trees with a production capacity of around 12,000 tonnes, serving as vital capital to strengthen the local economy and enhance the competitiveness of local products in the global market.
In addition to strengthening the production sector, institutional development through cooperatives is also a key component of the export zone development strategy.