'€œThe ADB has played an important role in the continuous efforts made by our many stakeholders to develop West Java,'€ Ahmad said in a press statement on Wednesday.

'€œValuable knowledge and experience are always welcomed, especially as the provincial government has been focusing on our development activities toward the allocation of more efficient resources and effective collaboration. Today'€™s meeting strengthens West Java'€™s close working relations with the ADB as our strategic global partner,'€ he added.

The meeting saw Governor Heryawan exchange information with ADB Indonesia Resident Mission country director Jon D. Lindborg on current ADB assistance in the province.

The meeting specifically discussed strategies for West Java to improve its credit worthiness through a shadow rating exercise that the ADB supports.

Several key development challenges were also discussed, and both parties committed to developing even closer coordination to address these challenges effectively.

West Java, the most populous province in Indonesia, has robust investment activities and rising inter-regional trade, which have contributed significantly to the province'€™s economic growth.

It also has strong local sources of revenue; standing at around 77% of its total revenue in 2012, locally sourced revenue is much higher in West Java than the national average of 40%. However, some development challenges remain, including high unemployment and under-developed infrastructure. If left unaddressed, these could hinder future economic growth.

'€œWest Java is a good example to illustrate the crucial role of regional governments in development efforts,'€ Lindborg said.

'€œThe ADB believes that Indonesia'€™s current decentralized governance structure provides opportunities to ensure that development initiatives are in line with specific regional priorities. Thus, the ADB is determined to continue assisting the West Java provincial government to capitalize on its economic advantages to benefit everyone in the province,'€ he said.

The Manila-based ADB is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members '€“ 48 from the region, including Indonesia. In 2012, ADB assistance totaled US$21.6 billion, including the co-financing of $8.3 billion.

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