Government seeks cooperation on investment and jobs
Speaking at the inauguration and economic dialogue, Kotabaru Regional Secretary H Eka Saprudin described Apindo as an important forum for cooperation among businesses. He urged members to use the occasion to support sustained economic growth in the South Kalimantan regency, Antara reported Thursday.
Saprudin said the government could not develop Kotabaru on its own. Cooperation with employers and workers was needed to improve the investment climate and expand job opportunities, he said. He also hoped the dialogue would produce new ideas for the local economy.
The board was inaugurated Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in the RUMA Guest House meeting room in Kotabaru, according to Kalselpos.com. Apindo South Kalimantan (DPP Kalsel) chairman Winardi Sethiono confirmed the appointments under decree No. 01/SK/DPP-KS/XII/2026.
Those attending included Saprudin, Assistant I for Government and People's Welfare Minggu Basuki, Kotabaru Regency Legislative Council (DPRD) Speaker Suwanti, Sethiono and hundreds of businesspeople from various sectors.
Suwanti called on the new leadership to work more cohesively and take an active role in attracting investment, Koran Metro7 Online reported. She also pledged the council's support when issues required agreement.
New chairman sets policy and workforce priorities
New Apindo Kotabaru chairman Gewsima Mega Putra outlined an agenda covering investment and licensing policy, stronger advocacy for members, and cooperation with banks, trade unions and academics to improve workforce competitiveness.
According to Radar Banjarmasin (Jawa Pos), he emphasized investment certainty, easier licensing and a stronger local workforce in his inauguration speech. He argued that strong investment depended on certainty and that companies could not grow without productivity.
Putra said Apindo should work with the government while remaining willing to challenge policies it considered unfavorable to business. He described the association's role as offering criticism backed by data and practical solutions, rather than automatically endorsing official decisions.
"We are ready to be constructive dialogue partners, but partnership does not necessarily mean agreeing with every policy. Apindo must be able to offer objective criticism, provide input based on data, and propose solutions," he said.
He also expressed hope that closer cooperation among government, businesses and workers would support sustained economic growth in Kotabaru.
Putra is a Kotabaru DPRD member from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Radar Banjarmasin reported. Kalselpos.com listed the association's daily board as Putra of PT New Star Cineplex as chairman, Taufik Hidayat of PT Habibie Ananda Utama as secretary, and Khairil Muslim of PT Bank Mandiri as treasurer.
Serongga planning proceeds separately
In a separate economic development effort, Kotabaru's government is planning a hub for local economic activity in Serongga, Kelumpang Hilir Sub-district, along the Kotabaru-Tanah Bumbu border, according to Antara News Kalimantan Selatan.
The government is coordinating with the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) on a draft regional head regulation covering the Detailed Spatial Plan (RDTR) for the Serongga Planning Area. The stated goals are to provide certainty for development and open investment opportunities.
