Media

PADANG — The Provincial Board of the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) West Sumatra convened its 2026 Provincial Working Meeting (Rakerprov) at Sati Hall, Pangeran Beach Hotel, on Thursday (April 23, 2026). The meeting was attended by APINDO Chairwoman Shinta W. Kamdani and several key figures, including West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah.

In her address, Shinta emphasized the Minangkabau philosophy “Saiyo Sakato, Barek Samo Dipikua, Ringan Samo Dijinjing” as a foundational principle for economic development grounded in consensus, collaboration, and shared responsibility among government, businesses, and MSMEs in building an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem. The values underscore the importance of policy synchronization, accelerated economic recovery, and strengthening the role of the private sector in job creation and maintaining regional economic stability.

Shinta further highlighted West Sumatra’s strategic position as a regional food hub, with an economy supported by agriculture, plantations, and natural resources. Key commodities such as palm oil, rubber, cocoa, and coconut, along with contributions to national rice production, form the backbone of the regional economy. These strengths are complemented by a diverse natural landscape that supports cultural tourism, geoparks, and marine tourism, creating an integrated economic ecosystem linking food, natural resources, and service sectors.

To enhance regional competitiveness, APINDO is implementing several strategic programs, including business policy advocacy, a hotline and debottlenecking task force to address investment barriers, and the establishment of a task force for international trade agreement readiness. Additional initiatives include the APINDO Investment Unit to map regional investment potential, the APINDO Family Business Network to strengthen family business ecosystems, and socio-economic programs such as APINDO UMKM Merdeka, Gas Kipas Stunting, and the Entrepreneur Teaching Movement to improve human capital and community welfare.

Chair of APINDO West Sumatra, AE Rina Pangeran, stated that the Rakerprov theme is highly relevant to the region’s post-disaster context. Floods and landslides have not only affected communities but also disrupted economic activities, infrastructure, and business continuity across multiple areas. Despite these challenges, APINDO remains optimistic about the resilience and recovery potential of the region’s business sector.

Rina noted that West Sumatra has a strong economic foundation across agriculture, plantations, manufacturing, tourism, marine sectors, as well as growing MSMEs and the creative economy. However, economic recovery requires accelerated measures, including infrastructure development, human capital improvement, and enhanced competitiveness in facing global challenges. She stressed that collaboration among businesses, government, and stakeholders is key to building a resilient and sustainable regional economy.

Through the Rakerprov, APINDO West Sumatra reaffirmed its commitment to being part of the solution in accelerating post-disaster economic recovery. The organization pledged to strengthen synergy with the government and stakeholders to promote inclusive and sustainable investment, support MSMEs, and create more employment opportunities.

During the event, APINDO West Sumatra also inaugurated and confirmed its Advisory Board and Executive Board for the 2026–2031 term, covering four regions: Padang Panjang City, Pariaman City, Tanah Datar Regency, and West Pasaman Regency. The inauguration was led by AE Rina Pangeran, followed by the oath-taking ceremony, signing of official documents, and the symbolic handover of organizational flags.

In his remarks, Governor Mahyeldi expressed hope that the new leadership would move swiftly to support downstream industrialization and reduce unemployment through concrete collaboration between APINDO and the regional government.

On the sidelines of the event, Shinta W. Kamdani, accompanied by Rina Pangeran and APINDO officials, visited beneficiaries of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) “Rumah Tumbuh” program in Malalak, Agam Regency. The visit served as an evaluation and follow-up on assistance provided to communities affected by flash floods and landslides. The meeting also opened opportunities for further cooperation, including occupational safety certification (K3) and PMI clinic services for APINDO member companies.

The event also featured the signing of a cooperation agreement for the APINDO UMKM Merdeka Program between APINDO West Sumatra, Andalas University, and the West Sumatra Office of Cooperatives and MSMEs. The partnership aims to enhance MSME capacity, provide practical experience for students, strengthen soft skills, and foster entrepreneurship.

Attendees included representatives from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the Manpower and Transmigration Office, the Rector of Andalas University, the Industry and Trade Office, PMI leadership, Kadin representatives, and APINDO members.