TRENGGALEK – Trenggalek industry growth is no longer defined only by large factories, according to local officials who say small businesses, culinary ventures, and tourism now play a major role in driving the regional economy.
Head of the Trenggalek Industry and Manpower Office, Christina Ambarwati Sumarno, said many people still associate industrial development with massive manufacturing plants. However, she believes the local economy has started moving through smaller and community-based industries.
“If people talk about industry, they often imagine large factories. In fact, culinary businesses and tourism in Trenggalek have started to grow rapidly,” Christina said.
She explained that the business climate in Trenggalek improved after the government simplified the Online Single Submission (OSS) licensing system following the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, many small and medium-sized enterprises have emerged across the regency.
According to Christina, local entrepreneurs have become more active in sectors such as food production, home industries, and tourism services. Those businesses now contribute to employment opportunities and regional economic activity.
Despite the positive trend, Trenggalek still faces several challenges in industrial development. The central government has tightened regulations for industrial licensing, especially in sectors connected to environmental protection and spatial planning.
One example involves milk-processing businesses that support Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal Program, locally known as MBG. Christina said dairy producers must now meet stricter requirements before obtaining product permits from the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency, or BPOM.
She explained that business owners need environmental management documents such as UKL-UPL permits. Small businesses often struggle to complete those requirements because the process requires technical preparation and administrative costs.
“Authorities are not making the process difficult. They are tightening regulations to protect consumers and the environment,” she said.
Christina also highlighted broader limitations in Trenggalek’s industrial planning. The regency still lacks sufficient space allocation for large industrial zones because the local government prioritizes green development and environmental sustainability.
Instead of focusing only on large-scale industry, the local administration now concentrates on strengthening small businesses. The Industry and Manpower Office currently provides assistance for halal certification, trademark registration, nutrition testing, and licensing support.
The government has also started developing an MSME clinic to help entrepreneurs manage permits from different agencies more efficiently.
Officials hope the assistance programs will encourage more local businesses to grow while maintaining environmental standards and consumer safety. The strategy also reflects Trenggalek’s effort to build a more sustainable and community-driven economy in the coming years.