TANJUNG (TABIRkota) – The economic growth of 5.12 percent in Tabalong Regency, South Kalimantan (Kalsel) in the second quarter of 2025 is a positive achievement, said Kadarisman, Chairman of the local Indonesian Cooperative Council (Dekopinda).
According to him, this growth will impact the community’s capacity to meet its needs.
“The 5.12 percent figure is a sign of optimism amidst the dynamics of the extractive sector, particularly the weakening coal prices at the beginning of 2025 and the recent national political dynamics,” he said.
Despite the weakening in extractive industries, he said, the primary sector generally still contributes very stably to Tabalong’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).
“Furthermore, the tertiary sector shows an expansive trend, and overall, the outlook for economic growth in Tabalong is very good,” he said.
Kadarisman added that the secondary sector requires attention, as evidenced by a slowdown from 6.82% in the first quarter to 5.87% in the second quarter.
“The slowdown in the secondary sector does not indicate weakness, as the 5.87 percent figure itself far exceeds the district’s own economic growth rate of 5.12%,” he added.
The slowdown is considered to be due to the dynamics and fluctuations of many factors, both socio-political and the achievement that exceeded the target in the first quarter.
To maintain the secondary sector and overall economic growth, local governments are advised to continue to oversee the growth of KDMP as an economic activity, not just a formality.
Local governments are also urged to continue encouraging the downstreaming of local commodities, such as agricultural products and mining services.
Furthermore, local governments need to establish centers for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) integrated with technology, tourism, markets, and other financial sectors.
