UNAIR NEWS – The new policy which announced by President Joko Widodo on October 27 regarding about no more toll fee for Suramadu Bridge attract a lot of opinions. The purpose of this new policy is considered as an excellent first step to improve Madura economy and people’s welfare.
From this issue, Harian Kompas held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with Alumni Universitas Airlangga Association (IKA UA), and Faculty of Economics and Business Alumni Association Universitas Airlangga (IKAFE) on November 31, 2018.
Are there any changes that occur on Madura Island?
When we are talking Madura, it will certainly lead to various districts because Madura region is integrated with each district to another. Wasiaturrahmah, lecturer from Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UNAIR, hopes that the policy can increase Madura Island region independence. Particularly, Bangkalan, Sampang, Pamekasan, and Sumenep Regencies.
It should be noted, it is a step to encourage and increase investment and economic growth on Madura Island. With the new policy, Madura community welfare is also expected to increase.
“In addition, this policy is not enough, because there must be incentives to attract industry and investment to Madura. There is not much that can be expected by Madura community from this policy, “said FEB Professor Tjuk Kasturi Sukiadi.
He added, with the availability of industrial land, an understanding of the investment and head of regional awareness to encourage economic growth and Madura community welfare. Therefore, head of regional should coordinate with each district to find solution for Madura Development.
Based on the research result by Rizky Yuwono, UTM Lecturer (Universitas Trunojoyo Madura), there was no significant impact on economic growth in Madura after Suramadu Bridge inauguration. In his research, after Suramadu Bridge operated, Bangkalan Regency actually lagged behind Surabaya, Gresik, Lamongan, and Sidoarjo.
Meanwhile, Vice III of IKAFE (Faculty of Economics Alumni Association) UNAIR Chris Susanto added that Madura economy could be improved by optimizing local potential of the region. Given that Madura Island has a lot of local potential. For example, Madura cattle, mangoes, salt, tobacco, tourism potentials and other local potentials.
“Madura is a disadvantaged area in East Java. However, the potential in Madura is very extraordinary, “he said.
“Madura can develop and optimize the local potentials owned through Small and Medium Industries (IKM),” added Rudi Purwono as Dean I of FEB UNAIR. (*)
Author: Rolista Dwi Oktavia
Editor: Feri Fenoria
