Deputy Chairman of the West Java Provincial House of Representatives (DPRD Jabar) Ono Surono assessed that Cirebon City has the opportunity to strengthen its role as a center of trade, services, and economic growth in the eastern region of West Java and the Ciayumajakuning area.
In Cirebon on Tuesday, Ono said that Cirebon City has a long history as a center of government which can serve as capital to enhance regional competitiveness.
"Cirebon, at the age of 599, must once again realize itself as a center of trade, a center of services, and a center of economic growth," he said.
According to him, with a relatively small area, Cirebon City has the opportunity to develop various innovations to strengthen its position as a center of economic activity in eastern West Java.
"Cirebon City, which only covers five districts and 22 sub-districts, should be more advanced with various innovations," he said.
Read also: Cirebon City Government invites Kadin to strengthen regional economy more inclusively
He considered that these innovations can be directed to address various urban issues that are currently developing, including waste management.
Furthermore, utilizing home yards through the concept of urban farming can be an alternative to support urban development.
"'Urban farming', for example by utilizing home yards, and many other things that can be developed in the future," he said.
Ono mentioned that there are still several development challenges that need attention, including poverty alleviation and improving education services.
Nevertheless, he assessed that the achievements of several macro indicators of Cirebon City are currently relatively good compared to several other regions in West Java.
Read also: BI says economic growth in Ciayumajakuning reaches 5.09 percent
"Its education index is good, health index is good, people's purchasing power is quite good, and its economic growth is also quite decent," he said.
Ono added that Cirebon City has also benefited from the development taking place in Cirebon, Indramayu, Majalengka, and Kuningan regencies (Ciayumajakuning).
According to him, industrial and investment activities in the surrounding areas support the development of the trade and services sector in Cirebon City.
Therefore, strengthening Cirebon City's function as a trade and services center is considered capable of driving economic growth in the Ciayumajakuning and Rebana areas more optimally.
"So far, Cirebon has gained impact from the development in the Ciayumajakuning region," he said.
Read also: West Java Governor: Culture must become Cirebon's economic identity
