PORTALJABAR, INDRAMAYU REGENCY - Entering its 499th year, Indramayu Regency has been asked to focus on three things: improving the quality of human resources (HR), strengthening the community's economy, and strengthening connectivity and collaboration.

West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan said that by strengthening these three aspects, Indramayu will not only become an important part of West Java but can also become a driving force for economic growth, food security, and community welfare in the Pantura region of West Java.

"I am confident that with its immense potential and the enthusiasm of its people, Indramayu will not only be an important part of West Java but also a driving force for economic growth, food security, and community welfare in the Pantura region," Erwan said at a plenary session of the Indramayu Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) to commemorate Indramayu's 499th anniversary on Wednesday (October 7, 2026).

Currently, Indramayu remains a major force for West Java and national food security, with annual rice production reaching 1.67 million tons. According to Erwan, Indramayu also holds significant potential in industry, energy, maritime affairs, fisheries, tourism, and the creative economy.

"Developing strategic investments in the Balongan area also presents an opportunity to strengthen industry and create jobs," Erwan said.

However, Indramayu faces significant challenges. Statistics show that Indramayu's Human Development Index (HDI) will reach 71.58 in 2025. Meanwhile, the open unemployment rate in 2025 will be 6.47 percent, and the poverty rate will remain at 11.02 percent.

Erwan said that this significant homework could only be completed through collaboration between the central, provincial, and Indramayu district governments.

"This is homework we must complete together. Let's focus on resolving all the problems in Indramayu through collaboration so that the poverty rate can decrease, the Gini index can be reduced, the Human Development Index can increase, unemployment can decrease, and most importantly, the people can become more prosperous.
"We, the West Java Provincial Government, are ready to support," he said.

The plenary session of the Indramayu Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) commemorating the 499th anniversary of the city's founding took place solemnly. All members wore traditional Indramayu attire. The meeting included a recitation of the history of Indramayu's founding nearly five centuries ago.