Central Java Investment Reaches Rp72.54 Trillion, Creating 340,334 Jobs
The figure was disclosed when Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi opened the 19th Semarang Business Forum (Sembiz) 2026 at The Suri Ballroom, Queen City Mall, Semarang, today.
The Rp72.54 trillion total comprised Rp31.77 trillion in domestic investment and Rp40.77 trillion in foreign investment.
The five areas with the highest investment realisation were Kendal Regency, at Rp13.61 trillion; Semarang City, Rp9.07 trillion; Batang Regency, Rp8.54 trillion; Temanggung Regency, Rp5.05 trillion; and Demak Regency, Rp4.29 trillion.
Luthfi said regional economic development could not rely solely on government budgets. Private investment and cooperation between regions were needed to expand business activity and create jobs.
“There are three crucial elements to this business forum. The first is tourism, the second trade, and the third investment. These are three links in a chain that cannot be separated,” Luthfi said in a written statement on Wednesday (21 October 2026).
Luthfi therefore encouraged Semarang City to become a driver of investment and regional economic growth. Through collaboration with surrounding areas, the potential of trade, tourism and investment could be developed to create new economic centres.
He said Semarang City was strategically positioned as a hub for economic activity, able to connect the potential of nearby areas such as Kendal, Demak, Grobogan and Salatiga. By dividing responsibilities and working together, each area was expected to develop its strengths while supporting one another in attracting investment.
Luthfi said Central Java remained attractive to investors despite global economic challenges and fiscal constraints. In addition to a favourable business climate, the province offered economic growth and a competitive workforce, particularly for labour-intensive industries.
“There are 57 labour-intensive Vietnamese companies that will set up in our region. Vietnam’s labour-intensive business model is similar to ours, and they will open branches here,” he said.
Luthfi hoped business forums such as Sembiz would encourage other regencies and cities to showcase their investment, trade and tourism potential.
“So what is this business forum for? To create new economies in each area,” Luthfi added.
Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti said collaboration between regions was essential to investment development, as Semarang City had limited land for large-scale industrial estates.
For that reason, Semarang was being steered towards developing trade and services, while relying on support from neighbouring areas with industrial potential and other resources.
“Semarang City cannot do this alone. The Semarang City Government cannot do this alone. So we invite all investors to join us in developing businesses for the common good and progress,” Agustina said.
Agustina added that Sembiz, now held for the 19th time, provided a forum for connecting investors with business opportunities. The city government was also continuing to review the results of previous events to ensure that partnerships were followed through.
One opportunity on offer is the development of the Tinjomoyo tourism area while preserving its forest function. The project is expected to involve micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and benefit local communities.
Agustina said the government had a responsibility to ensure that investment not only benefited businesses, but also local communities and shared regional economic growth.