Malaysian Investor Targets Multiple Sectors for Investment in Central Java

A Kuala Lumpur-based investor, The Marq International SDN BHD, plans to invest in various sectors in Central Java, including renewable energy, geothermal, agriculture, and infrastructure. Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi expressed his appreciation for the investment plan during an audience with The Marq and the Jakarta Konsultan Grup technical team in Semarang on Monday. He emphasised that the Central Java Provincial Government supports incoming investment, both domestic and foreign, through streamlined licensing, regional stability, industrial estates, and labour availability. During the meeting, Luthfi, accompanied by directors of several regional-owned enterprises (BUMD), offered a number of investment opportunities. In renewable energy, PT JPEN, a BUMD owned by the provincial government, is focusing on using compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative to LPG. Similarly, JTAB offered agribusiness and agrotourism development, while PT PRPP proposed a more comprehensive development of the PRPP area. In infrastructure, he highlighted the potential development of Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang and dry ports in Batang and Kendal to support logistics for industrial and special economic zones. “For the tourism sector, we have a thousand tourism villages and tourism agglomerations. We are also working on developing Muslim-friendly tourism,” he said. Marq International SDN BHD CEO Steven Wei expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from Governor Ahmad Luthfi, noting that Central Java is a very open place for investors. “I am pleased because the Governor is very supportive of establishing cooperation, not only with Malaysia but also with China, Korea, and other countries connected to us. This is the right time to invest in Central Java,” he said.