Dr Syamsir Nur Urges Government to Utilise PSBM for Mapping Regional Economic Potential

The atmosphere at Hotel Claro Makassar during the 26th Pertemuan Saudagar Bugis Makassar (PSBM) was not only filled with meetings among Bugis Makassar traders and diaspora from various regions and countries. Behind these gatherings, serious discussions took place regarding the future of the regional economy, investment, industrial downstreaming, and the direction of economic development in eastern Indonesia. For many participants, PSBM is no longer just an annual networking event. This forum has evolved into a strategic space where entrepreneurs, local governments, academics, and diaspora come together to design cross-regional economic collaborations, strengthen investments, and promote industry development based on local potentials. Southeast Sulawesi economist Dr Syamsir Nur views PSBM XXVI as a crucial momentum for local governments, especially governors in Sulawesi and eastern Indonesia, to begin mapping regional economic potentials in a more directed and integrated manner with the networks of Bugis Makassar entrepreneurs spread across various regions and countries. According to him, the main strength of PSBM lies in the Bugis Makassar diaspora network, which is known for its extensive trade and investment networks in various sectors, from trade, agriculture, fisheries, logistics, to industry. This network is seen as a driver of investment and regional economic development if managed through directed cooperation. “This is a momentum for planning regional development. So governors must map the existing economic potentials. We see which sectors can be collaborated with the traders,” said Dr Syamsir Nur when met at the PSBM XXVI Makassar venue. He assessed that many regional potentials have not yet been connected to broader investment and market networks. In fact, through forums like PSBM, local governments can directly meet investors and entrepreneurs with cross-regional and even international business networks. According to him, local governments need to open up more concrete cooperation spaces, not limited to ceremonial meetings, but followed by investment cooperation, local business development, and collaboration on development programmes based on local potentials and comparative advantages of each region.