Boosting Investment Climate in Central Java: Customs Visits Kendal SEZ and Batang Integrated Industrial Estate
Customs is strengthening synergy with the managers of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Central Java to support the investment climate and optimise the utilisation of customs facilities. This effort was realised through monitoring and evaluation (monev) conducted by the Director of Customs Facilities, Susila Brata, at the Kendal SEZ and the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate (KITB) in early May 202teg.
The visit to the Kendal SEZ took place on Tuesday (6/5/2026) and was attended by the President Director of Kendal Industrial Park (KIP) Vincent Lee, the Head of the Kendal SEZ Administrator Tjertja Karja Adil, and the Head of the Semarang Customs Office, Mochamad Syuhadak. During the visit, Customs engaged in dialogue with stakeholders to gather aspirations and identify obstacles faced by businesses in utilising customs facilities. A primary focus of the discussion was the accelerated implementation of IT-based inventory systems, known as IT Inventory.
Of the 149 companies operating in the Kendal SEZ, 84 have utilised customs facilities. However, only 17 companies have completed the designation of their IT Inventory in accordance with applicable regulations. “We highly appreciate the economic contribution of this zone. Therefore, synergy and compliance with IT Inventory regulations are key to ensuring that fiscal facilities continue to be utilised sustainably without disrupting the already very positive investment climate,” Susila stated in a briefing on Monday (8/6/2026).
According to Susula, the SEZ is a National Strategic Programme that delivers a significant economic impact to the region. This is reflected in the economic growth of Kendal Regency in 2025, which reached 7 per cent, the highest in Central Java. She also emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance between supervisory functions and support for economic growth to ensure that investment can develop sustainably.
In addition to discussing IT Inventory, Customs and stakeholders evaluated the implementation of the autogate system, which is mandatory for business entities and operators within the zone. Businesses are encouraged to continue coordinating with zone managers to ensure optimal system integration.
The following day (7/5/2026), Susula continued her working visit to the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate (KITB). The activity served as a coordination forum between Customs, the SEZ Administrator, and zone organisers to evaluate the effectiveness of customs facilities in supporting industrial and investment activities.
During the meeting, she emphasised that SEZ facilities, such as import duty suspensions and exemptions from Import Duty-related Taxes (PDRI), are designed to increase investment attractiveness. She noted that synergy between regulators and zone managers is a vital factor in accelerating national industrial development.
Currently, there are 44 business actors registered in KITB, with 27 companies designated as Customs Areas. However, only 12 companies are actively utilising customs facilities. Consequently, Customs is encouraging businesses to immediately optimise these facilities through the implementation of integrated IT Inventory.
Through these two visits, Customs hopes that collaboration between the government, zone managers, and business actors will grow stronger. With the support of integrated information technology and good administrative compliance, industrial zones in Central Java are expected to attract more investment, create jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth.