Central Java Secures Rp72.54 Trillion in Investment, Creating 340,000 Jobs
Investment in Central Java reached Rp72.54 trillion through the third quarter of 2026. The total came from 82,420 projects and supported 340,334 jobs.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi announced the figures at the opening of the 19th Semarang Business Forum (Sembiz) 2026 at The Suri Ballroom, Queen City Mall, Semarang, on Wednesday (21 October).
Domestic investment accounted for Rp31.77 trillion of the total, while foreign investment reached Rp40.77 trillion.
Kendal Regency recorded the highest investment in Central Java, at Rp13.61 trillion. It was followed by Semarang City with Rp9.07 trillion, Batang Regency with Rp8.54 trillion, Temanggung Regency with Rp5.05 trillion and Demak Regency with Rp4.29 trillion.
Luthfi said regional economic development could not rely solely on government budgets. Private-sector involvement and cooperation between regions were needed to expand business activity and create jobs.
“This business forum focuses on three crucial things: tourism, trade and investment. These are three links in a chain that cannot be separated,” Luthfi said.
He urged Semarang City to become a catalyst for investment and regional economic growth. Collaboration with surrounding areas is expected to develop trade, tourism and investment opportunities and create new economic centres.
Luthfi said Semarang’s strategic position could be used to connect the economic potential of areas including Kendal, Demak, Grobogan and Salatiga.
The cooperation is expected to allow each region to develop its own strengths while supporting one another in attracting investors.
Luthfi also said Central Java remained attractive to investors amid global economic challenges and fiscal constraints. In addition to a conducive business climate, the province has competitive economic growth and a workforce suited in particular to labour-intensive industries.
“Fifty-seven Vietnamese labour-intensive companies will set up in our region. Vietnam’s labour-intensive business model is similar to ours, and they will open branches here,” he said.
He said he hoped business forums such as Sembiz would encourage other regencies and cities to promote their investment, trade and tourism potential.
“So what is this business forum for? To create new economies in each region,” he said.
Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti said cooperation between regions was essential to developing investment. Semarang has limited land available for large-scale industrial estates.
The city is therefore focusing on strengthening trade and services, with support from surrounding areas that have industrial potential and other resources.
“Semarang City cannot do this alone. The Semarang City Government cannot do this alone. We are inviting all investors to join us in developing businesses for shared prosperity and progress,” she said.
Agustina added that, in its 19th year, Sembiz provided a platform for connecting investors with business opportunities. The Semarang City Government was also continuing to review previous forums to ensure that potential partnerships were followed up.
One opportunity presented to investors 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 generated returns for businesses, but also benefited the public and contributed to shared regional economic growth.