Apindo pushes for Central Java to become an Asian investment hub

The Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) is encouraging Central Java to develop into an Asian investment hub as well as a model for accelerating national investment. Apindo’s Head of Employment, Bob Azam, stated in Jakarta on Friday that Central Java has a significant opportunity to become the most competitive region in attracting new investment. According to him, various indicators show the province’s competitiveness is continuing to strengthen, including high economic growth in several industrial areas and a level of investment efficiency that is better than the national average. The push was conveyed during an audience between Apindo officials and Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi at the Central Java Governor’s Office in Semarang on Thursday (18/6). Bob Azam further assessed that accelerating logistics infrastructure development remains a homework assignment that must be completed immediately. Strengthening ports, developing dry ports in Batang and Kendal, and integrating industrial areas with national and global supply chains are considered important factors for Central Java to become an international-class investment and logistics centre. Apindo also expressed its support for the Central Java Provincial Government’s steps to make the region a centre for investment, manufacturing, logistics, and supply chains capable of competing with various regional investment hubs, including Vietnam.