PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG REGENCY - The Pasisian Leuweung Market held at the Ir. H. Djuanda Forest Park was the last event of the year and a proud closing.

Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin together with Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Forestry Mahfudz MP attended the event and gave appreciation to the market which is now a model for economic and tourism empowerment.

"This is the 24th event in 2024, and also the closing. Alhamdulillah, the Secretary General said that this program will be replicated in several other provinces. Results from the people for the people like this bring local products closer to consumers," said Bey Machmudin after attending the Leuweung Market at the Ir. H. Djuanda Forest Park, Bandung Regency, Sunday (12/22/2024).

The event presents the best forest products, UMKM culinary, unique crafts, and education about forests, making it not just a market, but also a means of education and entertainment for the community.

On that occasion, Bey also encouraged the export of superior products, such as tea which has been exported to Singapore, via the West Java International Airport (BIJB) in Kertajati, Majalengka Regency.

"We will arrange for exports to be more routine, not once every two weeks, and can be done directly from Kertajati Airport," he added.

Bey further said that Pasisian Leuweung Market is not only a center for the people's economy, but also a tourist destination.

"After a morning walk, people gather to enjoy local culinary specialties. This is very good as a place for tourism and social interaction," said Bey.

Community empowerment model

Meanwhile, Mahfudz said that the Pasisian Leuweung Market concept combines physical and digital markets.

"This is an extraordinary model of community empowerment, especially through access to forest area management. We will continue to develop it in other areas," said Mahfudz.

He also appreciated the 10 leading commodities of West Java farmers, such as coffee, sugar palm, and lipstick mango, which have begun to penetrate the export market.

"Young farmers in West Java are starting to move, as well as a combination of physical and digital markets. This is a good example that we can spread to other regions," he said.

Pasisian Leuweung Market also offers various tourist attractions, such as deer, Japanese Caves, and forest education programs.

Through synergy with related ministries, such as the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, this concept is expected to be an example of developing tourism areas based on the people's economy in various regions.

"This combination of market and tourism has the potential to be developed more widely, both in Java and outside Java," said Mahfudz.