Daftarsbmptn.com – The Garut Regency Government reaffirmed its commitment to expediting the construction of Cilautereun Port, a strategic project considered a driving force for economic growth on the south coast. This encouragement was conveyed directly by Garut Regent Abdusy Syakur Amin during a working visit and intensive coordination with the West Java Provincial Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Agency (DKP) in Bandung on Wednesday (February 25, 2026).
During the meeting, Regent Syakur emphasized that port development plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, particularly for coastal communities who have traditionally relied on the fisheries and small businesses for their livelihoods. Although the authority for port development rests with the provincial government, Syakur stated that intensive communication and coordination with the province and other relevant parties are key to ensuring the swift implementation of this strategic plan.
“The existence of Cilautereun Port is expected to be a major driver of economic growth, more than just infrastructure. It also has the potential to improve the welfare of the people on the south coast of Garut,” Syakur stated at the meeting.
Coastal Economic Driver and Maritime Sector Connectivity
Cilautereun Port is planned to function not only as a loading and unloading facility for marine catches, but also as a center for economic activity integrated with the trade, distribution, and marine tourism sectors. The port’s strategic location is seen as being able to connect the South Garut region with regional and national markets, while simultaneously opening up previously limited logistics access.
According to Syakur, optimizing this port is also part of the local economic recovery strategy post-pandemic, leveraging the region’s significant maritime and fisheries sector potential. Garut Regency has a long coastline with abundant marine resources, making the ideal port not only to support fishing activities but also to enhance the added value of local products.
“With the port, we are not only improving infrastructure but also building a sustainable economic ecosystem. Fishermen, MSMEs, and small businesses along the coast will feel the direct impact,” he added.
Impact on MSMEs and Employment
One of the main focuses discussed at the meeting was how the Cilautereun Port project can strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in South Garut. Regent Syakur emphasized that the port, integrated with the coastal economic zone, will create opportunities for MSMEs to expand, particularly through greater market access and improved connectivity.
Small businesses in coastal areas have traditionally relied heavily on the sale of raw seafood or small-scale production. The port is expected to create seafood processing centers that add value to products such as processed seafood, processed seaweed, and fishery-related crafts. This will directly open up new job opportunities, especially for the younger generation in coastal areas who have traditionally experienced limited economic access.
Several local MSMEs welcomed this initiative, hoping that the port will open new opportunities for their local products to penetrate a wider market. Small business owners also hope for support in training, marketing, and other supporting facilities to enable them to compete and advance in the national market.
Intergovernmental Synergy and Efforts to Accelerate Development
The Head of the West Java Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Department, Rinny Cempaka, also expressed support for the Garut Regency Government’s active initiative to accelerate the development of Cilautereun Port. She considered collaboration between the provincial and district/city governments to be a crucial factor in the overall development of the maritime sector in West Java.
Rinny also added that support from the central government is needed to expedite the licensing, funding, and port construction processes to ensure a tangible impact on the welfare of coastal communities. Cross-agency collaboration is believed to accelerate the project’s implementation, allowing its benefits to be felt more quickly by the wider community.
Future Outlook
With strong commitment from the regional government and support from various stakeholders, the Cilautereun Port project is seen as a significant opportunity to accelerate economic growth in South Garut. Regent Syakur hopes that the port’s development will have a sustainable impact, particularly through the economic empowerment of coastal communities, the growth of MSMEs, and the creation of new jobs.