PORTALJABAR, CIREBON CITY - The West Java Provincial Government together with the Central Java Provincial Government have agreed to develop potential and improve public services in border areas.

In general, a number of development priorities for the West Java-Central Java border areas include education, health, economy, and no less importantly the public works sector.

Regional Secretary of West Java Province Herman Suryatman revealed that one of the keys to progress in border areas is connectivity.

The connectivity between the two parties in various development sectors must be able to run smoothly and optimally.

According to him, the West Java Provincial Government, in accordance with the direction of the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, is determined that the progress of West Java can start from the border areas.

"The Governor wants the border area to be the most advanced area," said Herman Suryatman while attending the 2025 West Java-Central Java Border Region Musrenbang at the Bale Jaya Dewata Governor's Office; Cirebon City, Thursday (8/5/2025).

In other words, the border area as the gateway to and from West Java Province must become a showcase that represents progress.

All progress in development is for the sake of achieving community welfare.

In accordance with the set development targets, the West Java Provincial Government will complete improvements to the quality and capacity of roads by 2026, including for border areas.

According to Herman, good connectivity will facilitate the flow of goods and services. Conversely, if connectivity is poor, economic activity will be hampered.

"In the future, in border areas, one of the characteristics of the roads must be smooth, not just roads, we will build good welcome gates," said Herman.

"Hopefully it will be a suggestion that encourages social, economic and cultural progress, ultimately the welfare of society," he added.

Taking Advantage of BIJB Kertajati

No less important, Herman invited the Central Java Provincial Government to work with West Java to utilize the West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati in Majalengka Regency.

With a strategic location, not far from the West Java-Central Java border, Kertajati Airport is ready to facilitate various flight activities for both goods and people.

"Central Java exporters should not hesitate to utilize Kertajati. We also have Patimban Port, let's utilize the existing connectivity," he said.

In the trade sector, Herman also wants both parties to benefit each other, where each party can fulfill each other's needs fairly and in balance with their superior commodities.

Herman also touched on the issue of labor so that the West Java-Central Java workforce has equal and fair job opportunities. That way, the unemployment rate in both West Java and Central Java can be suppressed together.

"This working relationship must be balanced and fair. That can only be done if both parties work hard together," said Herman.

The relationship must be felt by both parties. Therefore, human resources need to be prepared, infrastructure improved, including other management elements in regional development.

"So this Musrenbang must be a tool to accelerate regional development, including the West Java-Central Java border area," said Herman.

Adequate infrastructure

In line with Herman, Head of West Java Bappeda Dedi Mulyadi said that border areas throughout West Java must have adequate infrastructure capacity.

"In addition, the quality of health services and education must also be better," he said.

"So the concept that he (the Governor of West Java) conveyed was how development starts from the borders, first in a circle. Then directly towards the center," said Dedi.

This is designed so that the entire West Java region can resolve its development problems starting from the border areas.

Head of Bappeda Central Java Harso Susilo agreed to help improve the potential and public services in border areas starting from infrastructure, education, health, and other sectors.

His party is also ready to synergize for progressive development.