Central Java becomes target for Dubai-based 'mini refinery' investment project
Investors from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), are interested in returning to invest in Central Java Province, specifically for the development of a ‘mini refinery’ to process oil in the Jepara Regency, with an investment value reaching Rp5 trillion.
“They (Dubai investors) are interested in investing in a mini refinery in the Jepara area,” stated the Governor of Central Java, Ahmad Luthfi, in a statement in Semarang, Central Java, on Wednesday.
This interest emerged following a meeting between the Governor of Central Java and potential investors from Dubai during activities in Jakarta. According to him, the investment is expected to be realised by the end of 2026, following the signing of a cooperation agreement.
Based on the presentation by the potential investors, he explained that the ‘mini refinery’ to be built will be capable of processing crude oil. He expressed hope that the realisation of this investment would materialise to strengthen energy supply within the Central Java region.
The United Arab Emirates is recorded as one of the key investor nations in Central Java, with investment value from UAE investors in the province reaching Rp13 trillion over the last five years.
“That is Central Java; even in an uncertain global climate, Central Java remains an investment destination, including for Dubai, who visited today,” he said.
Representing the Dubai investors, Talal Ourfali stated that the investment plan was formulated after observing Indonesia’s potential, particularly the strong prospects in Central Java, including the potential for ‘mini refinery’ development for crude oil processing.
He acknowledged that Indonesia still lacks sufficient ‘mini refineries’ despite having great potential. Consequently, his group plans to build a ‘mini refinery’ with an initial capacity of 10,000 barrels per day, with a target to eventually reach 30,000 barrels per day.
Regarding the location, he noted it would be in the Jepara Regency, with work intended to commence before the end of the year, involving an investment value of approximately 200 million US dollars or Rp5 trillion.
In addition to meeting the Dubai investors, Governor Ahmad Luthfi also met with the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in Gdańsk, Poland, Mirosław Wawrowski. The meeting discussed strengthening cultural and tourism diplomacy between Central Java, Indonesia, and Poland.
One of the discussion points was the plan to develop a ‘Little Indonesia’ in Dolina Charlotty. As a Balinese cultural complex has already been established there, the next step involves building a Javanese cultural complex.