PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Acting West Java Regional Secretary Taufiq Budi Santoso is optimistic that economic growth in West Java in the third quarter of 2023 and 2024 will remain maintained.

Taufiq expressed this belief at the 2023 Bank Indonesia Annual Meeting at the Bank Indonesia Representative Office, Bandung City, Wednesday (29/11/2023).

"The challenges are quite significant and we have to anticipate them. We respond quickly and swiftly to be able to boost and maintain growth. So these three key words are important for us to pay attention to," said Taufiq.

He also reminded that it is important to collaborate between stakeholders in efforts to develop the regional economy, as well as overcome future economic challenges.

"We must prepare the resources owned by the regional government in each city district in collaboration with the business world, universities, communities, media, continuing to increase growth and overcome various challenges," he said.

Regarding the 2024 elections, said Taufiq, IDR 1.4 trillion has been set in the 2024 West Java Province APBD for election operations. For this reason, there is economic potential that can be maximized to increase community and regional income.

"This (can be used) as part of the economic growth process next year," he said.

"Likewise, city districts have budgeted at least more than IDR 10 trillion for this regional election," he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy representative of Bank Indonesia, West Java Province Representative Office, Bambang Pramono, said that in 2023 West Java will be able to maintain positive economic performance and support the national economy.

"West Java's economy will continue to grow positively in the third quarter of 2023
"at 4.57 percent (yoy) driven by household consumption, investment realization," said Bambang

"Of course, thank God, this is something that is very encouraging in the midst of various world economic uncertainties, perhaps this is a blessing from Allah SWT that we (West Java Province) can still grow," he added

He noted that in October 2023 in West Java there would be annual inflation (year on year) of 2.58 percent or an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from 114.15 in October 2022 to 117.10.

"In terms of price stability, West Java inflation in October 2023 was recorded at 2.58 percent. We should be grateful because West Java inflation is currently still under control," he said.

Ajeg and Pinunjul Award
The theme of the 2023 Bank Indonesia Annual Meeting is Synergy to Strengthen National Economic Resilience and Revival.

At the national level, the meeting was held in Jakarta and attended directly by President Joko Widodo, the Governor of Bank Indonesia, and a number of ministers.

This annual meeting also provides appreciation for the West Java Digital Economy Champions (Ajeg) to district and city governments.

West Java Ajeg was given as a form of appreciation to the regional government which has supported the acceleration of the formation of a digital ecosystem and comprehensive expansion of digital penetration in three aspects, namely government digitalization, business world digitalization, and community digitalization.

The annual meeting also awarded the 2023 Inner and Birth Champion Superior Inflation Program (Pinunjul) Award to district and city regional governments.

The following are the winners of Ajeg 2023:

Best Regional Economic Digitalization Category for Regency Regional Government Winners:

1. Bekasi Regency
2. Bogor Regency
3. Karawang Regency
4. Sumedang Regency

Best Regional Economic Digitalization Category for City Regional Government Winners:

1. Bandung City
2. Depok City

Best Regional Economic Digitalization Innovation Program Category:

1. Bekasi Regency
2. Bogor City

Pinunjul Award 2023

Best Consumer Price Index (CPI) Category:

1. Tasikmalaya City
2. Depok City
3. Bandung City

Best Non-Consumer Price Index (CPI) City Category:

1. Tasikmalaya Regency
2. Kuningan Regency
3. Bogor Regency
4. Banjar City
5. Garut Regency