Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi Wins Impactful Regional Leadership at SBBI Award 2026
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi received the Impactful Regional Leadership award at the Solopos Best Brand & Innovation (SBBI) Award 2026, held at The Alana Solo in Karanganyar Regency on Friday (17/7). The award was given in appreciation of the Central Java Provincial Government’s performance in promoting sustainable development. The assessment covered achievements in economic growth, increased investment, and the strengthening of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Solopos Media Group CEO Arif Budi Susilo stated that the award was granted because Governor Luthfi’s leadership was deemed to have a strong concept of development oriented towards tangible impact for the community. He cited the acceleration of industrial estate development along the North Coast (Pantura) as an example of policy implementation, particularly the development of the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate (KITB).
Arif noted that the consistency of the provincial government’s policies could potentially drive the region’s economic growth rate beyond the national average. He pointed out that Central Java’s economic growth had reached 5.89 percent, higher than the national average of 5.61 percent. He expressed hope that this consistency would continue to create jobs and ultimately improve public welfare.
In his remarks, Governor Luthfi emphasised that the development of Central Java could not be achieved by the regional government alone and required cross-sector collaboration. He invited all parties, including regents, mayors, religious and community leaders, businesspeople, academics, the media, and the public, to collectively collaborate in building the province.
On the economic front, Governor Luthfi explained how the provincial government continues to boost investment realisation. He has asked all regents and mayors to prepare new industrial and special economic zones, and 12 regions have already submitted proposals. He reported that investment realisation in 2025 reached IDR 110.64 trillion, absorbing 418,000 workers. In the first quarter of 2026, realisation reached IDR 23.02 trillion with 94,000 workers absorbed, while the poverty rate fell to 9.39 percent.
The provincial government is also strengthening MSMEs as the backbone of Central Java’s economy. Efforts include assistance with financing access, certification, digital marketing, and market expansion to help more MSMEs upgrade and become competitive. As of the first quarter of 2026, the provincial government has fostered 199,781 MSMEs, an increase of 1,001 from the previous year, absorbing around 1.38 million workers. Governor Luthfi noted that out of 4.8 million MSMEs, the majority are micro and small enterprises, and the government continues to encourage them to scale up to medium or large businesses.