Develop Banjar Creative Space Program, Erick Thohir Hopes Bali's Economy Will Recover Soon
Ubud, Bali, December 29, 2021 - As one of the efforts to recover the economy during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir, together with the deputy governor of Bali Province, Dr. Ir. Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, M.Si, accompanied by the President Director of Pertamina, Nicke Widyawati, initiated the Banjar Creative Space program which is a collaboration between PT Pertamina (Persero) and the Indonesia Creative Cities Network (ICCN) for 2 days, on Monday (27/12) in Banjar Taman Kelod, Ubud, and Banjar Geriyana Kauh, Karangasem, on Wednesday (29/12).
In his speech, Erick said that currently the Ministry of SOEs together with all state-owned companies are trying to help local governments, especially Bali, to improve their economy through various Social and Environmental Responsibility or TJSL program.
"Now is not the time for us to complain, but it is time for us to rise. Not only Bali, Indonesia, and even the whole world. We are currently under pressure for the opening of global markets, digitalization, and health that we are currently experiencing. Mr. President is hoping for downstream in Indonesia, which is part of opening up job opportunities,” said Erick.
He added, with the Banjar Creative Space collaboration between Pertamina and ICCN, it is hoped that the youngsters in Bali can improve their abilities so that in the future they can compete to restore the economy in Bali.
“There is continuity between the Central and Regional Governments. For Bali itself, it is extraordinary, one of which is the G20 that will be held in Bali, which means that there will be a big prioritized event in Bali with a total of 36 events that can help the economy in Bali. Not only that, but we have also prepared Benoa for cruise ship access so that tourism access is not only by air but also by the sea. And certainly, we will also prioritize MSMEs so that they can support this revival effort," added Erick.
The Banjar Creative Space event featured 7 creative booths, namely the Posyandu booth, Aquarium, Bonsai, Culinary Demo, Culinary Products, Honey, and Handicraft Display. This event was held to develop community empowerment programs in the fields of economy, environment, education, and health targeting 10 Banjars in Bali Province. This is also a manifestation of Pertamina's full commitment in implementing Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) aspects and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals target 8, which is supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive workforce, and decent work for all.
"We are very grateful for this good opportunity, of course, with the permission of God Almighty, the Minister, Pertamina, and their entourage present at this place. We hope that this activity can be an extraordinary momentum and a starting point. We can inform you, villages in Bali, Banjar, in particular, has been equipped with good facilities supported by youth activities. Hopefully, the hard work of the Ministry of SOEs can inspire our people to be able to follow digital developments, bring change for Bali in particular, and Indonesia in general," explained Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, Deputy Governor of Bali.
On the same occasion, the President Director of Pertamina, Nicke Widyawati, also symbolically handed over the Banjar Creative Space program in the West region which was located in Banjar Taman Kelod, Yeh Embang Kauh, Bilukpoh Tegal Cangkring, Central Baturiti, and Ubung Jimbaran. "With this assistance, we from Pertamina fully support efforts to increase community independence and contribute to the Community Economic Empowerment Program, Improvement of Education Facilities, Provision of Health Facilities (Posyandu) and Improvement of Banjar Traditional Bale," stated Nicke.**