Gus Fawait Promotes Energy Efficiency During Visit to PT Nankai
The Regent of Jember, Gus Fawait, conducted a working visit to PT Nankai Indonesia, a Japanese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) company located in Silo District. The visit took place during Ramadan and served to examine economic potential and investment opportunities in the region.
The visit also symbolised the Jember District Government’s commitment to implementing the central government’s instructions on energy efficiency. Notably, Gus Fawait and the heads of Regional Organisational Units (OPD) travelled together in a single Hiace minibus rather than using individual official vehicles.
This approach was in response to President Prabowo Subianto’s directive concerning the restriction of fuel consumption and government budget efficiency amid global dynamics affecting energy prices.
“We came as a delegation, not separately. This is a form of efficiency in accordance with the President’s directive. Given the turmoil in the Middle East that has caused oil prices to fluctuate, we must be cautious so that the state’s subsidy burden does not balloon. Jember must provide a concrete example of energy savings,” said Gus Fawait.
Beyond highlighting energy efficiency, Gus Fawait also expressed appreciation for PT Nankai Indonesia’s investment of approximately $10 million or more than 150 billion rupiah in Jember District. The company currently employs around 250 workers, with approximately 80 per cent being local residents of Jember, particularly those from Silo District.
According to the regent, investment plays an important role in driving regional economic growth whilst reducing poverty levels. Consequently, the Jember District Government continues to work towards creating a conducive investment climate.
“Investment is the key to addressing poverty in Jember alongside government spending. We are committed to completing the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) so that Jember becomes increasingly investment-friendly and emerges as an economic centre at the eastern tip of Java,” he explained.
During the occasion, Gus Fawait also mentioned the possibility of reinstating selective work-from-home (WFH) arrangements within the government administration. He believed that current technological advances allow work to continue effectively without always relying on physical mobility that could increase operational costs.
“We have experience from the Covid-19 period. With technology now advanced, we can reapply the WFH scenario to reduce fuel consumption and office costs without diminishing the quality of public services,” he concluded.
The working visit concluded with an appeal for every investment and business activity in Jember District to deliver tangible social benefits to surrounding communities whilst strengthening regional economic resilience amid global uncertainty.