Pontianak – The West Kalimantan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Kalbar) and the East Java Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Jatim) have strengthened business collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership covers trade, investment, human resource (HR) development, and the empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The MoU was signed as part of the East Java–West Kalimantan Trade and Investment Mission held at Novotel Pontianak Hotel on Tuesday (11/08/2026). The signing ceremony was witnessed by West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan and East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa.

The agreement was signed by Chairman of Kadin East Java Adik Dwi Putranto and Chairman of Kadin West Kalimantan Arya Rizqi Darsono.

Kadin Encourages Cooperation Beyond the MoU

Chairman of Kadin West Kalimantan Arya Rizqi Darsono said the agreement marks an initial step toward connecting the potential, markets, and resources of West Kalimantan and East Java.

According to him, the partnership must be followed by concrete business exploration and collaboration among entrepreneurs from both provinces.

“Our hope is that this will not merely be a ceremonial MoU. We must begin exploring what can actually be realized after this agreement. At this stage, we are still discussing potential, including investment potential,” Arya said.

The follow-up to the partnership will be pursued through a business-to-business (B2B) approach. Kadin will map sectors with complementary strengths before facilitating meetings between business players from both regions.

This approach is expected to ensure that cooperation goes beyond information exchange. Businesses can be matched based on market demand, production capacity, products offered, and investment opportunities.

“Kadin East Java has its market, and Kadin West Kalimantan also has its market. Both have markets, and both have resources. This is what we must weave together and collaborate on,” he said.

Inter-Regional Trade Becomes a Key Focus

One of the main focuses of the MoU is the development of inter-provincial trade. The partnership aims to expand market access for products from both West Kalimantan and East Java.

Arya noted that each province possesses unique economic potential that can be further developed. In this regard, Kadin is expected to serve as a bridge connecting businesses with suitable partners.

The collaboration is also designed to be inclusive by involving MSMEs.

“This is an inclusive effort—we want to bring everyone on board,” Arya emphasized.

Strengthening Human Resources Through Training and Certification

In addition to trade and investment, both Kadin chapters agreed to enhance the quality of human resources through competency training and certification programs.

The initiatives will focus on occupational safety as well as environmental pollution control and prevention.

These programs are expected to improve workforce competencies while meeting industry demands for higher safety standards and environmental compliance.

Kadin Institute and Curation Houses for MSMEs

MSME development is another key component of the partnership between Kadin West Kalimantan and Kadin East Java. Support programs will be implemented through the Rumah Kurasi (Curation House) initiative and the Kadin Institute.

Arya explained that the Kadin Institute is a program developed in collaboration with Kadin Indonesia. Going forward, the program is expected to be strengthened at the provincial level as a platform for enhancing the capacity and competitiveness of business actors.