PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The West Java Provincial Government is again holding the 2024 West Java Innovation Competition (KIJB). KIJB is the West Java Provincial Government's commitment to improving the culture of innovation while providing appreciation to innovators.

The 2024 KIJB kick off was carried out by West Java Regional Secretary Herman Suryatman at the West Java Cultural Park Auditorium, Jalan Bukit Dago Selatan, Bandung City, Tuesday (9/7/2024).

Herman said that innovation must contribute to achieving community independence. The end of the presence of innovation is to improve the welfare of society.

"Innovation must contribute to achieving independence for the people of West Java. This means that innovation is only a tool, the end must ensure the welfare of the community," he said.

Herman wants innovation to drive public services in 27 city districts, 600 sub-districts, even at the village level in West Java to be better, faster, cheaper and easier.

"Innovation must be able to encourage public services in 27 city districts, 600 sub-districts and even villages so that they can be better, faster, cheaper and easier," he said.

KIJB participants have continued to increase in the last three years. KIJB participation in 2021, namely 350 proposals, in 2022 it will increase to 680 proposals, and in 2023 it will increase again to 890 proposals. This year the committee is still opening registration until August 2024.

"Please register your innovation, there is still time until August. Prepare well and as much as possible," said Herman.

KIJB 2024 competes for innovations covering public services, government/business governance, social and other technological innovations.

Post-award will be followed up with dissemination, replication, research and development activities as well as policy recommendations.

KIJB 2024 participants consist of regional officials and bureaus within the West Java Provincial Government, Regency and City Governments throughout West Java, government agencies, ministry bureaus, institutions, universities, BUMN and BUMD in West Java.

The assessment and judging of KIJB 2024 was carried out by a team of independent assessors. They will choose the best innovation to get a rotating trophy.

At the 2023 KIJB, the best of the best innovations were selected, namely the WA Kepo innovation from the Sumedang Regency Regional Government.