Amid global economic uncertainty caused by disruptions to international energy supply chains, the Association of Regency Governments in All Indonesia (Apkasi) has taken tactical steps to reinforce the domestic economic foundation. Through the 2026 Regional Business Forum (Forbisda) held in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, Apkasi partnered with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to optimize local economic potential.
This forum serves as a strategic platform to shorten national food distribution routes while boosting the downstreaming of bio-commodities. Several crucial memorandums of understanding were signed, including inter-regency inflation control agreements involving Deli Serdang, Simalungun, and Langkat. Beyond inter-regional cooperation, the private sector actively participated, notably through large-scale horticultural transactions between business operators from North Sumatra and Brebes.
General Chairman of Apkasi, Bursah Zarnubi, emphasized that regencies are the spearhead of national economic strength. He urged a paradigm shift from reliance on extractive industries toward downstream processing based on renewable resources. According to Bursah, the processing industry must be brought closer directly to local production points to generate greater added value for the welfare of local communities.
Executive Director of Apkasi, Sarman Simanjorang, explained that Forbisda 2026 was designed as a direct bridge between regional supply and industrial demand. Through interactive sessions, regional heads were given ample opportunity to promote their local product advantages to national stakeholders.
Responding to this initiative, Vice Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, Azis Syamsudin, stated his institution's full commitment to continuing support for inter-regional collaboration. Although logistical and business sector challenges remain obstacles, Azis believes that Indonesia's massive domestic market strength serves as the primary capital for maintaining national economic stability in the future.
