MP: Inter-provincial Synergy Key to Strengthening Sumatra's Economy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Hendry Munief, stated that business synergy between provinces on Sumatra Island is a strategic step to strengthen regional economic independence amid increasingly positive growth trends.
During a recess working visit in Lampung on Thursday (23/4), Hendry emphasised the importance of cross-regional collaboration to optimise the economic potential of each province.
“Today, we see that Lampung is no longer just the gateway to Sumatra but is beginning to transform into an economic epicentre, including towards the development of green industry,” Hendry said in his statement in Jakarta on Friday.
He said the transformation is evident from the implementation of strategic programmes, particularly industrial downstreaming aimed at increasing the added value of local commodities.
“We see how the downstreaming programme is starting to run. This is important so that local products are not just sent out as they are, but have added value,” he said.
In addition to the industrial sector, Hendry also highlighted the contribution of the tourism and creative economy sectors, which account for around 11 percent of Lampung’s Regional Gross Domestic Product (PDRB).
He said these sectors have the potential to grow further along with infrastructure development and economic zones.
According to him, strengthening connectivity and industrial zones, including strategic projects in Lampung and Sumatra, can accelerate inter-provincial economic integration.
“We see the growth of Sumatra Island from one end to the other getting better. Like in Riau Province, the economy continues to be stable. And we are also striving for inter-provincial economic collaboration on Sumatra Island. Later, we will try to discuss it with fellow DPR members and regional heads. This will boost economic growth on Sumatra Island,” he said.
Hendry emphasised that the collaboration needs to be focused on strategic sectors, such as food security, trade, tourism, and industrial downstreaming to strengthen supply chains and maintain price stability.
“The provinces on Sumatra Island each have their own strengths; we just need to synergise them. Then we hope economic independence will be achieved so that all business sector issues can be resolved,” he said.
He added that synergy between the central government, regional governments, and the DPR RI is an important factor in driving accelerated development, particularly in the industrial and creative economy sectors.
Through such cross-sector coordination, it is hoped that the resulting policies will not only drive economic growth but also strengthen regional competitiveness and equitable development on Sumatra Island.