Chairman of the East Java Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Adik Dwi Putranto invites businesses to collaborate with the West Sumatra Provincial Government to encourage sustainable growth through green investment and quality tourism in West Sumatra.

Adik said West Sumatra with its natural beauty and cultural richness has great potential to become one of the main destinations for green investment and quality tourism in Indonesia.

‘As one of the provinces with promising economic growth, we need to ensure that this growth can occur in a sustainable, environmentally friendly manner, and provide benefits to all levels of society,’ said Mr Adik at the West Sumatra Investment business forum, in Surabaya, Thursday (18/7/2024).

Adik revealed that green investment is investment that focuses on efforts to reduce negative impacts on the environment and promote sustainability. ‘In the context of West Sumatra, green investment can include various sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure,’ he said.

He emphasised that West Sumatra has great potential in developing renewable energy, especially geothermal energy and water energy. "By utilising these natural resources, we can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We invite investors to participate in renewable energy projects that are being and will be developed in the province,’ he continued.

According to Adik, effective and efficient waste management is key to maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Investment in waste management technologies, such as recycling and organic waste treatment, is needed to address the growing waste problem in line with population growth and economic activity.

In the agricultural sector, West Sumatera is one of the national food barns. However, to ensure its sustainability, it is necessary to adopt environmentally friendly and efficient agricultural practices. Investments in sustainable agriculture technologies, such as water-saving irrigation and organic pesticides, can help increase productivity while preserving the environment. ‘So its development should lead to modern agriculture that is environmentally friendly,’ said Adik.

As well as environmentally-friendly infrastructure development, these projects are an important part of the green investment strategy. ‘This includes the construction of roads, bridges, and buildings designed to reduce environmental impact, as well as the development of green open spaces in towns and villages,’ he said.

Meanwhile, quality tourism is tourism that not only provides a great experience for travellers, but also respects and preserves the local culture and environment. ‘West Sumatra, with its natural and cultural wealth, has great potential to develop quality tourism,’ he said.

A number of stunning tourist destinations exist in West Sumatra, ranging from beautiful beaches, green mountains, to villages rich in culture and tradition. The development of these tourist destinations must be done by considering sustainability and its impact on the environment and local communities.

"The rich and unique Minangkabau culture is one of the main attractions for travellers. By promoting and preserving the local culture, we can attract more travellers who are interested in authentic and immersive experiences. Investments in cultural events, museums and art centres can help achieve this goal,’ he said.

Nevertheless, it needs to be structured in. Development. The concept of eco-friendly tourism or ecotourism is one way to ensure that tourism develops without damaging the environment. Investments in ecotourism development, such as eco-lodges, nature tours, and conservation programmes, are necessary to preserve the natural beauty of West Sumatra.

"One more thing that should not be forgotten, is improving tourism infrastructure such as transport access, accommodation facilities, and other supporting services.Investment in this infrastructure will ensure that travellers can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable experience while in West Sumatra,’ Adik added. To achieve these goals in driving sustainable growth through green investment and quality tourism, collaboration and partnership between various parties is essential.The government, private sector, local communities and academia need to work together to develop effective strategies and programmes.

"Public and private partnerships are a necessity. The West Sumatera government is committed to creating a conducive investment climate through various policies and incentives. We invite the private sector to work together with the government in developing projects that support sustainable growth,’ Adik said.

Collaboration must also be done with local communities as they are integral to the success of green investment and quality tourism.‘Involving them in the project planning and implementation process, as well as providing training and support, will ensure that the benefits of these investments can be felt by all parties,’ he explained.

And last but not least is co-operation with academia and research institutes.Research and innovation are key to finding effective and efficient solutions to environmental and economic challenges.

‘Cooperation with universities and research institutions will help West Sumatra develop new technologies and strategies to support sustainable growth,’ he concluded.

At the West Sumatra Investment event, West Sumatra Deputy Governor Audi Johaldi and a number of Regents were present who explained the various potentials of their regions, including Padang Pariyaman, Sijunjung, and Solok.