West Java Economy Grows 5.73%, Iwan Koswara Urges Impact for Community

West Java's economy experienced robust growth of 5.73% in the second quarter of 2026, exceeding the national economic growth rate of 5.29%. Iwan Koswara, a member of the West Java Regional People's Representative Council's Commission V, lauded this achievement as a positive sign for the region's economic recovery and strengthening. However, Koswara cautioned that economic growth figures alone are insufficient. He emphasized the critical need for the regional government to ensure that this growth translates into tangible improvements in community welfare, including job creation, increased public income, and sustainable poverty reduction. The decrease in the poverty rate to 6.54% is a positive development, but Koswara urged continued efforts in community empowerment programs to foster economic resilience. He highlighted the manufacturing sector as the largest contributor to economic growth and called for its strengthening through enhanced human resource quality, vocational education, and job training aligned with industry needs. The DPRD Commission V will continue to advocate for improved education, training, and workforce competency to help West Javanese residents fill available job opportunities. Koswara also expressed hope that the positive economic growth would be accompanied by equitable development across all regions, ensuring that the benefits extend to rural communities and not just urban areas. He concluded by stating that future economic growth must be more inclusive, benefiting all segments of society and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents of West Java.

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High economic growth is certainly something to be grateful for. However, what is more important is how the results of that growth are able to create jobs, increase community income, and reduce poverty sustainably.