The Medan City Government, together with the Association of Indonesia Municipalities (APEKSI), held a Business and Investment Forum as part of the 18th APEKSI National Working Meeting series. The event, centered at the Medan City Public Service Mall, served as a strategic meeting point for heads of the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Offices (DPMPTSP) from various regions across the nation to discuss accelerating economic development through investment channels.
Carrying the theme "Realizing Sovereign Resilient Cities through Quality Investment," the forum provided deep insights into the repositioning of regional economies within global supply chains. CORE Indonesia Executive Director Muhammad Faisal, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized the importance of investment downstreaming and leveraging the potential of the tourism sector, which has become a favorite among foreign investors.
Beyond macro-level discussions, the forum featured an exchange of regional best practices. Head of Surabaya City DPMPTSP, Ir. Lasidi, S.T., M.T., shared experiences regarding the successful implementation of investment services in his region. This synergy was further enriched by international perspectives from the Consul General of Malaysia in Medan and insights from CITYNET regarding the importance of strengthening urban planning networks on the global stage.
During the interactive discussion session, DPMPTSP representatives openly analyzed bureaucratic challenges and limited Human Resource (HR) capacity. Crucial issues ranging from enhancing foreign language negotiation skills to optimizing digital-based services became the primary focus for future policy formulation. This session is expected to serve as a foundation for city governments to create a more responsive and competitive investment climate.
Through the integration of insights from academics, practitioners, and bureaucrats, this Business and Investment Forum is expected to act as a catalyst for DPMPTSPs across Indonesia. With system transformation and enhanced HR competence, local governments are urged to move beyond merely processing permits, becoming the front line in building resilient and globally competitive economic foundations.
