Cirebon City Hosts RAKERDA I PHRI West Java, Mayor: Tourism Collaboration is the Key to Business Resilience

Cirebon, Kontroversinews, Com.– The city of Cirebon is again trusted to host strategic activities at the provincial level, namely the Regional Working Meeting (RAKERDA) I of 2025 of the Regional Leadership Body of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (BPD PHRI) West Java. This event was held with the theme “Building Business Resilience through Tourism Collaboration” and the slogan “Taking Care of the City’s Overtime, Tourism Booms.”

The Mayor of Cirebon, Effendi Edo expressed his respect and appreciation for the implementation of RAKERDA I. According to him, it is an honor for the Cirebon City Government and the entire community to be trusted to host the RAKERDA I PHRI West Java.

“The presence of these hotel and restaurant industry captains is positive energy that emphasizes the vital role of this sector for the regional economy,” said the Mayor, Wednesday (26/11/2025).

The Mayor emphasized the importance of the resilience of the hotel and restaurant industry. He said that the current focus is on strengthening the foundations of the industry so that it is able to survive, even grow, amidst economic turmoil and changes in tourist behavior.

“This resilience cannot be achieved alone, but through collaboration,” he continued.

He added that Cirebon City has great potential as a MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition) destination. Hotel and restaurant service standards need to continue to be improved to be competitive at the regional level.

“PHRI has a central role, especially in improving the quality of human resources through training and certification, as well as strict implementation of cleanliness, safety and health (CHSE) standards,” he stressed.

Apart from that, the Mayor emphasized the importance of digital adaptation in the tourism sector. As is known, tourists now plan trips entirely through digital platforms. Hotels and restaurants must be adaptive, utilizing online channels for reservations and promotions, and integrating digital payment systems.

“Tourism collaboration must include data collaboration, so that Regional Governments can make decisions based on accurate information,” he explained.

The Mayor also reminded the importance of supporting MSMEs and local culinary delights. He emphasized that hotels and restaurants should make local products, such as Batik, Terasi, and typical Cirebon snacks, as part of their services and souvenirs.

“Every hotel room filled, every plate served in a restaurant, must have a direct, measurable impact on the welfare of the people of Cirebon City,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of BPD PHRI West Java, Dodi Ahmad Sofiandi, expressed his appreciation to all BPC chairs present.

“We really appreciate the presence of regional administrators who have taken the time to attend and contribute. Synergy between administrators is very important so that PHRI West Java is able to take strategic steps that are responsive to industry needs,” he said.

Dodi added that RAKERDA I is expected to produce concrete recommendations and work programs, especially to strengthen the hotel and restaurant industry in West Java.

“This meeting is an important momentum to unite steps and strengthen the role of PHRI, including as a strategic partner for the government and business actors in the tourism sector,” he concluded.

(Laugh)