Ahmad Luthfi Targets Completion of Tawang–Weleri–Batang Transit-Oriented Development Within Two Years
The Governor of Central Java, Ahmad Luthugi, has requested that the development of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) areas within his province be completed within the next two years. This move is intended to anticipate industrial growth and support connectivity between the Semarang and Batang regions.
“If the Kendal Industrial Park (KITB) and Semarang continue to develop, the movement of people and goods must not encounter bottlenecks,” Luthfi stated during an audience with representatives from the British Embassy and Techne Praxis International at his office on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
He explained that the study for the TOD development has been conducted with assistance from the British Government and Techne Praxis International. The study considers the relationships between regencies and cities, as well as regional economic growth.
Through this development, it is hoped that from Tawang Station in Semarang, through Weleri in Kendal, to Batang Regency, areas will be connected for the movement of people and goods through integrated transportation.
Currently, the development plan for the TOD and the Semarang–Batang connectivity is awaiting regulations to be established by the central government. Once finalised, the signing of a memorandum of understanding and a work plan can proceed. Consequently, Luthfi is urging the central government to accelerate this process so that development can commence immediately.
“I have instructed the Assistant for Economic and Development Affairs to immediately hold meetings with relevant ministries so that this can be executed. This must be done quickly because, in the next two years, our industrial areas will be at full capacity. It is not just the movement of people, but also goods and logistics that will be at capacity,” he explained.
He added that the TOD development is also being pushed to be integrated with dry port development plans. Currently, a plan for a dry port in Batang has been approved and is being finalised, with approximately 50 hectares of land available.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Techne Praxis International, Puspita Galih Resi, noted that a study has already been conducted, supported by grant funding from the British Government. The study also includes calculations on how the transit-oriented areas should be managed.
“However, within this single corridor (Tawang—Weleri—Batang), only two are prioritised based on urgency, namely the Tawang TOD and the Weleri TOD,” she said.
It was explained that Weleri is a priority because it serves as a catchment area for the economic growth occurring in the Batang industrial zone. Since it is not feasible to centralise all infrastructure, such as housing, in Batang, it is necessary to ensure that neighbouring towns or regions are capable of supporting and accommodating the needs arising from the industrial area.