KBRN, Jakarta: East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa introduced the province's strategic advantages as a "Center of Gravity" to defense attachés from 17 allied nations during a forum at Grahadi State Building, Surabaya, on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Attended by representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, the event highlighted East Java’s geographical, economic, agricultural, industrial, and cultural potential.

"East Java covers 36.75 percent of Java Island’s total land area and is home to 41.31 million people. The province also contributes 12.10 percent to Indonesia's national agricultural sector," Khofifah stated, as quoted by antaranews.com.

She further noted that in the first quarter of 2025, East Java’s economy grew by approximately five percent, exceeding the national growth rate, driven primarily by the industrial, trade, and agricultural sectors.

"East Java ranks as the second-largest contributor to the national economy, accounting for around 14.42 percent," she added.

In logistics and defense, Khofifah emphasized the strategic role of Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya as a vital gateway to Eastern Indonesia. Of the 39 national shipping routes, 19 are serviced through this port.

"This means that around 80 percent of logistics for 20 provinces in Eastern Indonesia are supplied from East Java," she said.

The province also boasts two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Gresik and Singhasari, 13 industrial parks, and a dedicated halal industrial zone. On cultural and tourism fronts, East Java is rich in diverse local traditions, including those of the Arek, Osing, Tengger, Madura, Pantura, and Mataraman communities.

Its leading tourism destinations include Madakaripura Waterfall, Tumpak Sewu, and the Bromo Tengger Semeru area.

Khofifah also expressed appreciation for Serbian representative Col. Miloje Zdarvkovic, who recited and understood the meaning behind East Java’s motto, Jer Basuki Mawa Beya. "There is no achievement without hard work. This motto guides us in building East Java," she remarked.

Meanwhile, Col. Czi Sugeng Haryadi Yogopranowo of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense stated that the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between local governments and foreign defense attachés.

The delegation comprised representatives from Serbia, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Germany, Kenya, Laos, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Qatar, Russia, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the UK, and the US. ***