LMN Gresik's Coffee and Opinion Discusses Youth Readiness to Face the Industrial Boom

GRESIK – The wave of investment and industrialization that continues to flow rapidly into Gresik Regency, particularly in North Gresik, has attracted the attention of various parties. Responding to this phenomenon, local media outlets under the Local Media Network (LMN) Gresik took the initiative to gather public input and examine existing opportunities and challenges through a public discussion forum.

LMN Gresik initiated an event titled "Coffee and Opinion" with the poignant and relevant theme: "Gresik Flooded with Investment, What Will the People Get?" The discussion, held at Paddock Cafe in Abar-abir Village, Bungah District, Gresik Regency, successfully brought together various elements of society, from academics, businesspeople, social activists, to local youth.

Don't Let Local Residents Be Just Spectators

As the organizer, LMN Gresik specifically highlighted the readiness of local human resources (HR) to face industrial area expansion. LMN representative Akhmad Sutikon emphasized that LMN deliberately initiated this discussion as a space for dialogue and a forum for the exchange of ideas between the community and stakeholders.

"Industrial growth not only brings economic opportunities but also triggers social changes that must be understood together. The idea behind this discussion is to stimulate all parties, especially the younger generation, to prepare themselves for the rapid industrial growth in North Gresik. Our youth must not become mere spectators in their own region," said Sutikon, representing LMN Gresik.

According to LMN's observations, despite the high flow of investment into North Gresik, the presence of industry has not been sufficient to boost the local economy evenly. Therefore, LMN felt the need to intervene by providing insight and awareness to strengthen community solidarity.

In its implementation, LMN Gresik took no half-hearted measures. They facilitated an interactive discussion by presenting two speakers who are experts in their fields. LMN invited Santi Wahyu Lestari from the Investment Management Division, an Associate Expert at the Gresik Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP), and Fajar Rubianto, a social observer.

This LMN-formed forum discussed various crucial issues, including regional investment growth trends, the multiplier effect of companies on the well-being of the surrounding environment, and the potential for local employment.

LMN's Hope for Inclusive Growth

Through this activity, LMN Gresik is pursuing a long-term vision. Sutikon explained that LMN's targeted outcome from this discussion is industrial growth that goes hand in hand with improving the welfare of the surrounding community.

"The presence of industry must provide tangible benefits through job creation and the growth of local businesses. The ultimate goal is inclusive growth. While industry develops, the surrounding community also directly benefits. This is a challenge that must be addressed together," he explained.

LMN Gresik hopes that this Ngopi dan Opini discussion initiative will not be merely a study topic, but will continue to serve as a strategic platform for gathering public input and encouraging policies that better support the welfare and preparedness of local communities in facing the industrial boom.