Semarang international flights now accelerate investor mobility as Central Java courts more foreign capital. The reopening of direct routes to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur strengthens accessibility for global businesses and signals a strategic push to increase Central Java foreign investment. Governor Ahmad Luthfi initiated the move to enhance competitiveness and support post‑pandemic economic recovery. Singapore plays a pivotal role in this landscape as one of the region’s largest foreign investors.
Semarang International Flights Accelerate Investor Mobility
The government launched direct routes from Semarang to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to reduce travel friction for business communities. The initiative shortens flight times and eliminates mandatory transit stops in Jakarta, which previously slowed investor site visits and industrial assessments.
Local officials view the new routes as a crucial enabler for investment momentum. According to the Head of the Central Java Investment and One‑Stop Integrated Service Agency (DPMPTSP), Sakina Rosellasari, the international flights at Jenderal Ahmad Yani Airport deliver significant economic value across multiple sectors, especially tourism and investment. She stated, “Since the Semarang–Singapore route was opened by Scoot, many Singaporean business actors have come directly to Kendal Special Economic Zone. The majority of investors in the zone indeed come from Singapore.”
The direct connectivity also increases the frequency of investor access to industrial clusters and reduces logistical burdens. As a result, more Singaporean firms now conduct on‑site due diligence, factory visits, and partnership meetings with local operators.
Central Java Foreign Investment Driven by Singapore’s Capital
Recent data underscores the strategic role of Singapore in shaping the region’s foreign direct investment (FDI) profile. Data from the Central Java DPMPTSP shows that Singapore invested Rp11.43 trillion, representing 22.48 percent of total FDI. This figure places Singapore as the second‑largest investor in Central Java after Hong Kong.
Singaporean capital flows primarily into industrial developments that support export manufacturing and infrastructure expansion. Officials highlight that Singaporean firms gravitate toward zones that offer clear business incentives, long‑term operating environments, and streamlined logistics.
Sakina emphasized the industrial dimension of Singapore’s investment approach. She noted, “Singaporean investors mainly enter industrial zones. Kendal SEZ is a concrete example, managed by a consortium of PT Jababeka Tbk and Sembcorp Development Ltd from Singapore, focusing on developing industrial infrastructure.”
Kendal SEZ Strengthens Industrial Ecosystem for Foreign Investors
Kendal Special Economic Zone functions as an industrial anchor for foreign investment inflows. The consortium between Indonesia’s PT Jababeka Tbk and Singapore’s Sembcorp Development Ltd continues to build infrastructure that supports manufacturing, warehousing, and export production. The SEZ offers a structured business environment and tax incentives that reduce startup friction for investors.
Direct flights amplify the SEZ’s appeal by linking Semarang to Singapore’s financial and business networks. Companies can now deploy management teams, conduct meetings, and review projects within shorter time windows. These advantages reinforce Central Java’s positioning as a competitive industrial base in Indonesia.
Provincial Government Intensifies Efforts to Court Global Capital
Governor Ahmad Luthfi expands beyond infrastructure by adopting a more proactive investor relations strategy. He publicly committed to acting as the region’s “investment marketing manager,” reflecting a shift toward regional branding and targeted investor outreach.
Provincial officials also assist investors during administrative and regulatory processes. Sakina explained that the government intervenes when technical issues arise, including during disruptions in the OSS RBA licensing system. She said, “We are building long‑term relations with foreign, domestic, and local investors. We are also actively assisting them, including when the OSS RBA system experienced difficulties. We were present, we sat together, and we facilitated.”
Although Singapore remains a primary partner, the provincial government aims to broaden investor participation from other countries and diversify industry composition.
Improved Connectivity Positions Central Java for Global Competition
Semarang’s international routes enhance Central Java’s investment ecosystem and strengthen its competitive stance within Indonesia’s economic landscape. The restored connectivity supports future gains in FDI, tourism, and trade, while encouraging more global firms to evaluate Central Java as a strategic base. As mobility improves and industrial zones expand, Central Java stands better equipped to attract high‑value foreign capital and compete globally.
Source: jatengprov.go.id, inilahjateng.com
Image: Pemerintah Provinsi Jawa Tengah (jatengprov.go.id)
