Labour-intensive investments boost Central Java's economic growth

Kudus - Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated that labour-intensive investment sectors remain the main pillar of the province’s economic growth, with approximately 410,000 workers employed in these industries. ‘Labour-intensive industries such as footwear, apparel, textiles, and garments are capable of absorbing a large workforce,’ he said during a meeting for the 2026 Provincial Development Dialogue in the former Pati residency area at Kudus Regency’s administrative building on Tuesday. He added that several regencies, including Banyumas, Pati, Rembang, Sragen, and Demak, are preparing new industrial zones to create new economic growth centres. The governor confirmed the provincial government is open to both foreign and domestic investment, and that efficiency policies in various industries have not significantly impacted Central Java’s stable economic conditions. The development dialogue serves to strengthen coordination of regional development programmes and address unmet proposals from provincial-level Musrenbang meetings. ‘This dialogue helps us address needs not previously covered in Musrenbang,’ he explained, noting that priority programmes for 2027 will be included. In addition to food self-sufficiency, the provincial government will focus on tourism and creative economy sectors to support regional growth. ‘Next year’s focus will not only be on food self-sufficiency but also tourism and creative economy,’ Luthfi said, adding that the province aims to surpass the national target of over eight percent economic growth, currently at 5.89 percent.