Batang Industropolis SEZ Becomes a Magnet for High-Tech Investment
Central Java continues to strengthen its position as one of Indonesia’s strategic investment destinations. This effort was a key discussion point during the Central Java Investment Marketing Forum 2026, held on 8-9 September 2026 in Semarang.
The forum, themed “Powering Sustainable Growth: Investing in Central Java’s Green Industrial Future through Advanced Manufacturing and Digital Infrastructure”, brought together the government, business players, industrial estate managers, and potential investors to introduce Central Java’s investment potential.
Saribua Siahaan, Director of Regional Promotion for Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific at the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM, emphasised that the government is continuously working to create an investment climate that provides certainty and ease for investors. “Investors do not need to worry; we will continue to support efficiency, stability, and profitability. We, from the government, will formulate regulations that make it easier for investors to enter Indonesia,” Saribua stated.
According to Saribua, collaboration between the government, the business world, investors, and universities is key to driving investment growth. Existing investors in Indonesia are encouraged to expand, while new investors are expected to choose Indonesia, and specifically Central Java, as an investment destination.
Investment drives employment and MSMEs. The Acting Head of DPMPTSP Central Java, Johan Hadiyanto, stated that investment has a broader impact on the regional economy, including job creation, increased business activity, improved community income, MSME growth, and the strengthening of regional economic supply chains. “For us, these figures are not merely statistical achievements. Behind them lies the expansion of employment, business activity, community income, the growth of MSMEs, and a stronger regional economic supply chain,” explained Johan.
Central Java possesses several supporting factors for industrial development, including Trans-Java connectivity, port and airport infrastructure, industrial and Special Economic Zones (SEZ), and the availability of a productive workforce. Investment direction is also aimed at value-added sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, electronics, automotive and electric vehicle (EV) components, semiconductors, export-oriented industries, and downstreaming.
Meanwhile, Ricky Kusmayadi, Expert Staff for Institutional Relations at the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM, assessed that investment plays a strategic role in strengthening the national economy. “Investment is a primary driver through increased production capacity, job creation, strengthening national competitiveness, and supporting Indonesia’s economic growth prospects,” said Ricky. In this context, the development of industrial estates is a vital part of supporting the entry of value-added and high-tech investments.
Batang Industropolis SEZ is one of the areas projected to support future industrial needs. The area is being developed based on a 4,300-hectare masterplan with a Smart, Green, and Sustainable concept. This concept includes the integration of industrial, digital, and utility infrastructure, logistics connectivity, and investment support facilities.
Angga Brahmana Sukma, Director of Marketing and Development of Batang Industropolis SEZ, stated that the readiness of the area is not determined solely by the size of the land. “Our focus is not just on the area’s size. We have two main parameters in preparing a place for investment: efficiency from an investment perspective and efficiency from a production perspective,” Angga revealed.
According to Angga, the readiness of the area’s ecosystem is already evident through the entry of high-tech investments. One such example is the planned development of an AI hyperscale data centre by Zankore, a joint venture involving Nvidia Corporation, Indosat, Ooredoo Group, and Nokia. The investment for the AI hyperscale data centre in Batang Industropolis is planned to reach approximately Rp82 trillion and is targeted to begin operations in 2027. “As residents of Central Java, we should be proud that high-tech investment is now entering Central Java,” said Angga.
Angga added that Batang Industropolis SEZ is not only intended to be an industrial facility area but also an ecosystem that supports economic activity and life within the zone. “We do not only want to develop rows of factories. We believe this area must be a living ecosystem. It is not just a series of factories, but there must be life within it,” Angga concluded.