APINDO, Propan Raya, MCCI cooperates with Banten

The Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO) has officially signed a cooperation agreement with the Banten Provincial Government's Education as well as Industry and Trade offices on Dec. 17, 2025. The collaboration is on the development of the Paint School program, a training initiative to improve workforce competence in the paint and coatings industry. In addition, two investment commitments in Banten were signed between PT Propan Raya and the Banten Provincial Government, as well as between PT Mitsubishi Chemical Indonesia (MCCI) and the Banten Provincial Government.

On that occasion, Banten Governor Andra Soni and APINDO officials also did a work visit to Propan Raya to sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) and investment commitment in Banten. This visit marked a crucial moment in strengthening synergy between the regional government and the private sector to encourage sustainable industrial growth.

Andra was welcomed by Propan Raya founder Hendra Adidarma, Propan Raya CEO Kris Rianto Adidarma, and Propan Raya Chief Human Capital Officer Renata Catur Yuliantanti. Also in attendance were Banten Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) Speaker Fahmi Hakim, APINDO Chairwoman Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, Propan Raya's management, and the company's strategic partners.

The series of activities began with a friendly gathering and audience at Propan Raya's headquarters, followed by the presentation of a plaque as a symbol of partnership. The visit concluded with a tour of Propan Raya's resin factory and laboratory center, Alkindo Mitra Raya, to directly observe the company's production processes and technological innovations.

Kris, who is also the executive chairman of APINDO Banten, presented Propan Raya's development plan for its third production facility as a realization of the company's long-term commitment to Banten.

"Propan Raya views Banten as a strategic region for our industrial development. Through the planned construction of Propan Raya's third plant, we want to increase production capacity, strengthen the national supply chain, and create greater opportunities for local employment. We are also directing this investment to support the development of sustainable technology and products," he explained.

Meanwhile, Andra expressed his appreciation for the investment commitment and collaboration between the regional government and industry players.

"We welcome the investment commitment made by Propan Raya and industry players. This agenda demonstrates real collaboration between the government and the private sector in driving economic growth, improving the quality of human resources, and creating jobs. The Banten Provincial Government is committed to continuing to create a welcoming and sustainable investment climate," he stated.

Banten Governor Andra further expressed his hope that the development of vocational high schools in Banten Province could be strengthened through collaboration with APINDO and the business community. The unemployment rate in Banten is still dominated by vocational high school graduates according to Banten Provincial Government data, a reality which necessitates a restructuring of vocational education to be more adaptive to industry needs.

"I am confident that APINDO will provide its full support. The people of Banten will have greater opportunities if they are equipped with skills that meet industry needs. I hope this MoU can be quickly implemented so that the people of Banten can continue their development. Several regions in Banten have experienced expansion and have numerous industrial areas thanks to investment. Without investment, it will be difficult to improve the people's standard of living, even though these regions have great potential. The Banten Provincial Government is open to various forms of investment," he elaborated.

In the meantime, APINDO Chairwoman Shinta explained that the development of vocational vocational high schools is a follow-up to the APINDO Daya programs, which aims to reduce unemployment and improve workforce competence and competitiveness. The programs include APINDO Daya Vokasi, which addresses workforce needs through training; APINDO Daya Affiliator, which offers affiliate marketing training; and APINDO Daya Bina Desa, which focuses on fostering and developing the village economy through community empowerment.

In response, Kris added that Propan Raya has initiated the development of the MM2100 Vocational High School with two main principles, namely independent management and direct involvement of business players to ensure the curriculum aligns with industry needs.