Dahlan Iskan: Central Java Now Attracts Investment from West and East
SEMARANG – Central Java is reinforcing its position as a prime investment destination in Indonesia, with 49 national entrepreneurs conducting a comparative study and exploring business cooperation opportunities during the Disway Explore Business with Dahlan Iskan Central Java Series in Semarang on Thursday (18/6/2026).
Governor Ahmad Luthfi presented the region’s improving investment climate, noting that investment realisation throughout 2025 reached Rp110.02 trillion. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, investment figures have already touched approximately Rp23 trillion. This figure does not yet include plans for an integrated electric vehicle industry development in Kendal worth around Rp15 trillion.
Luthfi explained that Central Java is supported by a combination of infrastructure development, business certainty, and the availability of strategic industrial zones, which continue to attract investor interest. Industrial estates are being developed in various areas, including the Kendal Special Economic Zone (KEK) and sites in Semarang, Demak, and Brebes. Additionally, 12 regencies and cities are currently proposing the development of new industrial and economic zones to strengthen regional competitiveness.
Beyond large-scale industry, the province’s economy is also driven by 4.93 million business units, the vast majority of which are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Some of these MSMEs have successfully penetrated export markets.
National press figure Dahlan Iskan, who accompanied the business delegation, assessed that Central Java’s transformation in recent years has been highly significant. He noted that improvements in infrastructure and the growth of new industrial zones, particularly along the Pantura route, have successfully changed the business community’s perception of the province. Previously considered less competitive due to infrastructure limitations, Central Java is now attracting investment that was once concentrated in the western and eastern parts of Java.
During their visit, the entrepreneurs toured several facilities, including the Halo BCA service centre in Semarang, an export-oriented furniture factory, and a Polytron factory currently developing electric motorcycle production. The series of activities will continue with a visit to PT Sido Muncul to observe the development of an innovation-based industry that has successfully penetrated the global market.