Sumenep - The Chairman of the East Java Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Jatim), Adik Dwi Putranto, believes that Sumenep Regency is entering a promising phase of economic revival. With its abundant natural resources and strong commitment from the local government, Sumenep is seen as having a strategic position as one of East Java’s emerging investment destinations.

According to Adik, Sumenep’s unique geographical character combining mainland territories with an archipelagic cluster sets it apart from other regions in Madura.

"Sumenep offers a complete combination of potential: maritime, agriculture, tourism, and energy. This is not just an opportunity but a major momentum for the region to grow into a new economic hub in eastern Java," he said while speaking at the Sumenep Investment Summit 2025 held at the Sumenep Regency Pendopo on Monday (November 10, 2025).

Data shows that Sumenep’s economy grew by 3.77% in 2024, and even reached 4.64% excluding the oil and gas sector. The region’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) amounted to Rp45.22 trillion, reflecting significant productivity improvements.

Adik noted that this achievement is supported by continuous growth in investment realization.

"Throughout 2024, Sumenep attracted Rp2.8 trillion in investments, and in the first quarter of 2025 alone, it had already reached Rp1.3 trillion with more than 5,500 jobs created. This proves that investor confidence in Sumenep continues to rise," he explained.

He added that investor-friendly local government policies play a crucial role in maintaining the positive momentum. The Sumenep Regency Government has issued Regent Regulations No. 34 and 35 of 2024, providing incentives and streamlined licensing procedures for capital investment.

Adik further highlighted several priority sectors that deserve investment focus in Sumenep. These include the seaweed industry, salt production, capture fisheries, wellness tourism, and renewable energy.

"Sumenep’s seaweed is known for its excellent quality, but it still requires investment in post-harvest processing. The same goes for salt, especially with PT Garam in Kalianget producing up to 319,000 tons per year. Now is the right time to direct investments toward modern salt refinery industries and cold storage facilities to enhance value-added," he elaborated.

In the tourism sector, Adik pointed to Gili Iyang known for its high oxygen levels of up to 20.9% as a globally attractive destination.

"This island can be developed into a world-class eco–wellness tourism destination. Wellness tourism is gaining global traction, and Sumenep possesses exceptional natural assets," he remarked.

He also noted that the presence of Kangean Energy Indonesia (KEI) opens major opportunities in offshore oil and gas support services. Meanwhile, solar energy potential in the archipelagic areas presents long-term investment prospects through solar power plants (PLTS) and microgrid systems localized power networks integrating distributed energy resources such as solar panels and batteries, capable of operating independently or linked to the main grid.

Kadin Jatim believes Sumenep’s investment momentum will continue to strengthen with improvements in transportation and logistics infrastructure. Trunojoyo Airport has resumed operations with Surabaya-Sumenep flights twice weekly, while Kalianget Port is being upgraded with Rp48.5 billion in state budget funding for 2025.

"Enhanced connectivity is crucial because transportation and logistics have long been the main challenges in Sumenep. With better infrastructure, goods distribution and investment mobility will become much smoother," Adik said.

He emphasized that now is the right time for investors to enter Sumenep.

"The region is at an economic inflection point. Infrastructure is being developed, regulations are supportive, and productive sectors are wide open. Investors who move now will become first movers and enjoy maximum benefits in the future," he asserted.

Adik added that Kadin Jatim stands ready to facilitate and strengthen collaboration between the business community and the local government to ensure that investment in Sumenep is effective and sustainable.

"Kadin sees Sumenep not merely as a potential region, but as the future investment axis of East Java. With synergy between the government, the business sector, and the community, we can make Sumenep a success story of local resource–based economic transformation," he said.

At the same event, Sumenep Deputy Regent Imam Hasyim stated that Sumenep known for its extraordinary natural and cultural wealth at the eastern tip of Madura is entering a new chapter of economic development that is more open, adaptive, and accelerated.

"The Sumenep Regency Government is determined to make the core commitment of the 2025 Investment Summit a momentum for boosting regional investment. The government will not simply wait for investors to come, but will actively welcome and roll out the red carpet for all business players who share the vision of building Sumenep together," he said.

To enhance investment appeal, Sumenep Regency is currently developing four leading economic clusters. The first is the integrated marine and fisheries industry cluster, covering seafood processing, cold storage, fisheries logistics, and sustainable marine tourism. The second is the modern agriculture and livestock cluster.

The third is the energy and natural resources cluster, focusing on processing oil and gas, geothermal resources, and renewable energy through partnerships with national and international companies. The fourth is the tourism and creative economy cluster, highlighting marine tourism, cultural attractions, and energy-based destinations as key investment offerings.

"These four clusters will become the driving force of Sumenep’s economic growth, boosting regional income and improving community welfare," Imam concluded.