Malang city expected to go intl through digital technology development

The Minister of Trade, Thomas Lembong, expects Malang to go global, thanks to its digital technology-based development, and by introducing the world to its potential, especially in creative products.

“Malang must go global. I believe Malang and its people can go global in the digital age through internet and social media,” Lembong said here on Friday (April 1).

He added that the potential that Malang city offers, particularly in culture, creativity and innovation, should be introduced to the world through digital technology.

Moreover, the community of Malang City is a creative community, he said.

“Malang has creative people with modern ways of thinking. I wonder if the creative industries are well developed here?” Lembong said.

According to the minister, the use of digital technology in everyday life in Malang can act as a strong resource to face regional and international economic competition.

A life style based on digital technology is key to development in the 21st century when competition is more about human resources.

“Any modern city should attract innovation and be inspirational. I can see that Malang will be very good in these aspects,” he said.

In accordance with the governments program of Nawacita (the nine goals), it will build or revitalize 5,000 traditional markets by 2019.

The Ministry of Trade prioritizes the development of local markets which are older than 25 years, and those which were destroyed by fire, natural disasters and post-conflict.

In addition, the markets which are located in disadvantaged areas and border areas that lack trading facilities, or those with a huge trade potential, will also be developed.

Since 2011-2016, the Ministry of Trade has revitalized or built 43 markets in East Java province with a budget of Rp250 billion.