Cirebon Strengthens Yangjiang Ties for Agritech, Fisheries Growth

RRI.CO.ID, Cirebon - The Cirebon Regency Administration in West Java is strengthening its strategic sister city partnership with the Yangjiang Municipal Administration of Guangdong Province, China, aiming to bolster regional economic growth through advanced collaboration in the agricultural and fisheries sectors.

During a diplomatic reception for Yangjiang City Committee Deputy Secretary Lei Yuchun on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Cirebon officials highlighted that the partnership is moving from theoretical frameworks to practical implementation. The focus remains on sectors that serve as the backbone of Cirebon’s local economy.

“The exchange of knowledge, technology, and experience in the fields of agriculture and fisheries will bring real benefits to both parties and increase community welfare,” said Cirebon Deputy Regent Agus Kurniawan Budiman in Cirebon on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The timing of the renewed cooperation aligns with Cirebon’s rapid economic ascent. The move marks a significant deepening of ties that were first formalized in late 2023, leveraging both modern industrial ambitions and centuries-old cultural bonds.

In 2024, the Cirebon Regency recorded an economic growth rate of 5.83 percent, ranking it as the third-fastest growing region in West Java. Budiman noted that Cirebon’s inclusion in the "Rebana" industrial corridor, a National Strategic Project (PSN) under Presidential Regulation No. 87/2021, positions the region as a prime destination for international investment from partners like Yangjiang.

“The area is expected to become a locomotive for economic growth based on industry, logistics, and services, opening up international investment opportunities, including with Yangjiang City,” Budiman added.

The relationship between the two cities is anchored by the historical narrative of Princess Ong Tien, a figure who connects Chinese and Cirebonese heritage. Yangjiang officials noted that this historical "Maritime Silk Road" bond serves as a foundation for modern high-quality development initiatives.

Lei Yuchun emphasized that the current geopolitical climate between Indonesia and China provides a unique window for regional synergy. “Currently, China and Indonesia are together building a community with a shared future, including encouraging quality development,” Lei remarked.

He further noted that the two cities share comparable population sizes and complementary industrial structures, suggesting that the room for cooperation in maritime and industrial sectors remains vast. By aligning Yangjiang’s technological capabilities with Cirebon’s strategic location and resources, both administrations hope to create a sustainable model for cross-border regional development. ***