Economy

On behalf of EKONID, the economic section in Wisma Jerman serves as the representation of German economic interests in East Java. The economic division aims to connect German and local companies, as well as to carry out all services of EKONID in East Java, which among others includes initiating social- and networking events, providing active support for German companies in East Java and organizing German business delegations to the region. As a manifestation of EKONID, Wisma Jerman builds up a network of political and economic actors in order to encourage trade and investment activities in East Java. The unique cooperation between EKONID, the Goethe-Institut Jakarta and the German Embassy enables highly diverse networking events with representatives from each field. German companies can be included directly into the work of Wisma Jerman. Moreover it supports the  integration of German companies into the local economy by promoting German language and culture in East Java.

Business trips are one of the most important elements of the German foreign trade promotion by federal or local government. EKONID Surabaya has already received several business delegation visits from various industry sectors; one of the most recent for example was a delegation of the German maritime industry. In early 2018 and for the third time, EKONID Surabaya in cooperation with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM) organized a two day event in Surabaya to facilitate the delegation members to explore market possibilities in Indonesia. In Surabaya they visited important shipyards and other maritime companies and discussed the latest developments in the maritime sector as well as possible business opportunities with their representatives. EKONID Surabaya so far has not only received several visits from the German industry, but also from the German government, as well as industry representatives from other countries in Europe.

To build up and foster the networking community in East Java, EKONID Surabaya has conducted a regular Business Gathering almost every month in recent years. Guest speakers from various branches introduced their topics to the audience, such as water and electricity supply in East Java, security management for companies or the Indonesian governments’ new strategy on maritime development or human resources and legal matters for foreign companies. After the presentations and discussion, the meetings ended with a dinner and networking opportunities on the Wisma Jerman terrace.

EKONID Surabaya is coordinating various kinds of seminars and workshops for local companies, German business partners as well as for the public. These events can have different foci and target groups. Some of them are more sector specific while others are targeting people from different working fields. In 2016 for example, EKONID Surabaya implemented a project with Michael Braems, a certified Google Adwords Specialist (RuhrSEO), to conduct workshops on online marketing especially on search engine optimization. Participants from various business sectors and students got an insight in how to use the internet as a powerful instrument to gain new customers and raise product sales figures. The workshop was designed especially for small and medium sized companies who needed more insight into tools for optimization of their websites and advertisement. Other events included seminars about energy recycling or workshops challenging the problem of traffic reduction in cities.