Investment in the textile and textile product (TPT) industry sector in Cirebon Regency will experience a slowdown throughout 2023. Head of the Cirebon Regency Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services (DPMPTSP) Service, Dede Sudiono, said the investment value in the textile industry sector per semester I/2023 was only IDR 670 million. “This industrial sector is smaller than other sectors. Enter the smallest investment," said Dede in Cirebon Regency, Tuesday (17/10/2023). This sluggishness occurred because the regional government did not recommend that the textile industry expand into the Cirebon Regency area, especially the eastern part. This recommendation was made because the Cirebon Regency area has a minimal supply of raw water.

In its activities, the textile industry requires more water because it is used as a solvent for dyes and chemicals; media for the transfer of dyes and chemicals to fabric; to washing and rinsing media.

“This obviously requires a lot of water. Meanwhile, the existing raw water supply is very minimal. "Never mind industry, society's needs have not been met," said Dede.

The government still hopes that investors in other industrial sectors will look at their regions for expansion. This area at the eastern tip of West Java is included in the Rebana Metropolitan Special Economic Zone (KEK).

Apart from that, the government also still hopes that investors can build labor-intensive industries. This is done to absorb more local workers. "We really hope for labor-intensive industries. However, this does not mean that we rule out capital-intensive or technology-intensive industries. People who can work can be in the industries we want," said Dede.