Ahmad Luthfi Eyes Chinese Investment for Renewable Energy in Central Java - TIMES Indonesia
Jakarta — Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has again offered foreign investment opportunities in a range of strategic sectors. This time, he pitched renewable energy projects and waste-to-energy facilities to Chinese investors.
The offer was made as Luthfi attended the China-Indonesia Exchange of Political and Business Leaders as part of the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business’s Entrepreneur Scholar Programme, Class of 12, at the Grand Hyatt Jakarta, on the evening of Friday, 22 May 2026.
The forum was attended by numerous investors and executives of major Chinese companies already investing in Indonesia.
During the event, Luthfi stressed that Central Java continues to open up global investment cooperation. He said the province’s geographic location, readiness of industrial estates, and economic growth make Central Java one of the national growth hubs.
‘I appreciate this event. China and all the countries we invite to Central Java are because, in terms of geology, strategy, and typology, they form an economic hub,’ Luthfi said.
He noted that investment realised in Central Java in 2025 amounted to Rp110.02 trillion. The figure comprised foreign direct investment (PMA) of Rp50.86 trillion, domestic investment (PMDN) Rp37.64 trillion, and the MSME sector Rp21.52 trillion.
Meanwhile, in Q1 2026, investment in Central Java stood at Rp23.02 trillion, with an economic growth of 5.89 percent.
Luthfi said Central Java currently has seven operating industrial and special economic zones. In addition, 12 regions are in the process of preparing new industrial and special economic zones to support investment parity and growth.
‘China is one of the top source countries for investment in Central Java, with a value of around Rp10.13 trillion,’ he said.
At the forum, Luthfi also offered at least seven renewable energy projects ready for collaboration with investors. The projects include solar power plants (PLTS), micro-hydro, biogas, biomass, swamp gas, waste-to-energy, and geothermal energy.
He stressed that the Provincial Government of Central Java is committed to developing environmentally friendly energy while solving waste problems through modern technology investments.
‘We are opening up opportunities for waste treatment investment in Central Java so as to assist the development of renewable energy,’ he said.
Meanwhile, the CEO of PT WOOK Global Technology, Cu Longhua, said the forum brought together many business players from various sectors with strong potential for Indonesia-China cooperation.
He noted that the attending companies have strengths in environmental protection, solid waste management, new energy, digital technology, high-tech manufacturing, and modern agriculture.
‘Currently President Prabowo is very serious about pushing waste management to electricity generation. We are a leading company in this industry in China,’ Cu Longhua said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Benjamin Pan, CEO of AAC Technologies Holdings. He believes Indonesia, particularly Central Java, has great potential to become a hub for growth in industry and manufacturing in Southeast Asia.
He added that Chinese entrepreneurs are ready to bring technology, capital, and industrial resources to be combined with Indonesia’s market potential.
‘We see limitless collaboration possibilities. We want to work together to support the development of high-quality industry in Indonesia,’ he said.