49 Entrepreneurs Conduct Comparative Study in Central Java, Explore Collaboration and Investment

The entrepreneurs, part of the Disway Explore Business with Dahlan Iskan Central Java Series, were welcomed directly by Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi at the Gradhika Bhakti Praja building in Semarang last night. Luthfi expressed gratitude for the entrepreneurs’ visit to conduct a comparative study. He stated that the investment climate in Central Java is highly conducive and supported by various enabling factors. “I have explained that Central Java is captivating. Not investing in Central Java would be a loss,” Luthfi said in a statement on Friday (19/6/2026). Based on 2025 data, investment realisation in Central Java reached Rp110.02 trillion. In the first quarter of 2026, it had already reached Rp23 trillion, with an additional approximately Rp15 trillion for the development of an integrated electric vehicle industry in Kendal. These factors are also supported by the presence of existing industrial estates spread across several regions, including the Batang Industropolis Special Economic Zone (KEK), the Kendal Industrial Estate, and industrial estates in Semarang, Demak, and other areas. In fact, around 12 regions have already proposed new industrial estates or economic zones. Furthermore, the number of business units in Central Java is recorded at 4.93 million units, comprising 56,286 large and medium enterprises and approximately 4.8 million MSMEs. Some of these businesses are already exporting products to various countries. Meanwhile, event pioneer Dahlan Iskan assessed that Central Java’s current condition has developed significantly compared to several years ago, marked by increasingly better infrastructure in the province, including the presence of industrial estates along the North Coast of Central Java. He noted that good infrastructure support and a favourable investment climate in Central Java have attracted many investors. Additionally, regional conduciveness and strong local government support are factors that have led many entrepreneurs to place their trust in investing in Central Java. Therefore, Dahlan brought dozens of entrepreneurs to visit several large companies in Central Java. During the visit, three companies were toured: Halo BCA in Semarang, a furniture factory that exports its products worldwide, and the Polytron factory, which produces electronic devices and is ramping up production of electric motorcycles. “Everyone is visiting Central Java, tomorrow (Friday) to Sido Muncul to gain more insight and inspiration on how to develop a business. In my observation, these businesspeople or entrepreneurs are the most resilient people; when they fall and experience difficulties, they will rise again,” concluded Dahlan.