Sleman visits Cirebon industry

YOGYAKARTA: As part of its human resources development program, Sleman regency sent some of its officials to Cirebon, West Java, to attend a policy orientation visit from April 15 through April 16.

Led by Vice Regent Zaelani, activities focused on industry, trade (container shipping terminals), rusunawa (leased flats), and traffic management.

According to Sleman Public Relations Office head Sudarningsih, who was also part of the entourage, it wanted to see Cirebon's industrial policy, especially as Sleman had industrial potential.

"We need to identify the best strategy to exploit this potential," Sudarningsih said ahead of the visit.

In 2003, Sleman had 15,000 small industries that employed 44,000 people. The investment value for this particular sector was Rp 87.3 billion and the production value was four times that amount, Rp 367 billion.

The figure exclude 64 medium and large businesses that absorbed over 15,000 people and yielded a production value of Rp 1.1 trillion, with an investment value of Rp 250 billion in the same year.

In terms of trade, Sleman learned that Cirebon has succeeded in making itself a center for collecting, marketing and distributing commodities, as well as a gateway for export-import activities in western Central Java and the eastern West Java.

With regard to transportation, Sleman was seeking some input on how Cirebon managed its traffic. Although Cirebon's industrial activities and population have increased, they have caused relatively few traffic problems.

"By visiting rusunawa, we have learned more about how to design flats, determine their location and manage them well because Sleman also plans to build some here to address its housing problems," said Sudarningsih. -- JP