East Java Strengthens Domestic Social Safety Net and Cooperation with Timor Leste
The East Java Provincial Government continues to take proactive steps in maintaining the balance between social protection for vulnerable groups domestically and strengthening international trade cooperation synergies. This effort aims to ensure economic stability for lower-income communities whilst expanding the reach of local product markets abroad.
On the domestic front, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa distributed various social assistance programmes in Banyuwangi Regency on Saturday, 28 February. During visits to low-cost markets in Kalibaru and Glenmore districts, the Governor distributed SPHP rice assistance, chicken egg packages, and productive zakat for small business operators. The primary focus of this assistance was vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and children to ensure adequate protein and carbohydrate intake during Ramadhan month.
“The elderly and children must receive special attention through social safety nets so that they have resilience in food provisions amid the dynamics of food prices,” Khofifah stated. Beyond personal assistance, the East Java Provincial Government also distributed strengthening funds for Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) and Empowered Villages to stimulate grassroots economics.
In line with local economic strengthening efforts, the East Java Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is expanding business horizons by deepening strategic cooperation with Timor Leste. Trade relations between the two regions show a positive trend with a trade balance surplus reaching USD 238.29 million through October 2025.
Deputy Chairman of Kadin East Java, Tommy Kayhatu, described East Java as a key strategic partner for Timor Leste due to geographical proximity and compatibility of export products such as building materials, food, and pharmaceuticals.
This cooperation potential now extends to more specific sectors, ranging from MSME mentoring to sustainable investment. Industrial and Trade Attaché Assistant of Timor Leste, Ricardo de Araujo, revealed that his country greatly needs East Java’s support in developing weaving handicraft industries, light food manufacturing, and heavy equipment after-sales services.
Additionally, significant investment opportunities are opening in the waste management and recycling sector, given that Timor Leste currently lacks an integrated waste sorting system.
The integration of social assistance provision in Banyuwangi and export strengthening to Timor Leste demonstrates East Java’s comprehensive strategy. On one hand, the government ensures vulnerable populations remain economically empowered, whilst on the other hand, business actors and industries are encouraged to meet development needs in the neighbouring country.
This synergy is expected not only to create regional economic stability but also to reinforce East Java’s position as a mutually beneficial logistics and industrial hub in the Southeast Asian region.