ASIATODAY.ID, BANDUNG — West Java is strengthening its position as one of Indonesia’s key investment destinations by targeting Malaysian capital and expanding economic partnerships across ASEAN through the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) ASEAN 2026.
The forum, held in Bandung on July 9–10, 2026, brought together more than 400 business delegates from Indonesia and Malaysia, including around 225 Malaysian representatives and 200 Indonesian participants, to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, technology, industry, healthcare, education, and tourism.
West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan used the event to present five strategic priorities aimed at creating a more competitive and investor-friendly business environment.
“West Java is committed to supporting sustainable and inclusive investment growth,” Erwan said.
The provincial government is focusing on regulatory certainty, infrastructure development, business facilitation, skilled workforce preparation, and stronger partnerships between government, industries, and communities.
Five Strategies to Attract Global Investment
The first strategy is strengthening investment confidence through legal certainty, public security, transparent governance, and improved accountability.
The second strategy focuses on integrating micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into industrial supply chains, allowing local businesses and communities to benefit from major investment projects.
The third priority is accelerating strategic infrastructure development to support industrial expansion and improve logistics efficiency.
West Java’s competitive advantages include the Patimban International Port, Kertajati International Airport, and extensive toll road connectivity linking industrial areas across the province.
The fourth strategy is developing industry-ready talent through cooperation between educational institutions and businesses. The provincial government is also optimizing its digital employment platform, Nyari Gawe, to promote transparent recruitment.
The fifth strategy is improving investment incentives and licensing services to ensure faster, simpler, and more responsive business processes.
Malaysia Becomes Key Economic Partner
West Java, home to more than 51 million people, continues to strengthen its role as one of Indonesia’s largest economic centers.
The province recorded economic growth of 5.79 percent in the first quarter of 2026, exceeding the national average.
Malaysia has become one of West Java’s largest foreign investors, with investment realization reaching approximately Rp47 trillion over the past five years.
Malaysia is also among West Java’s top 10 export destinations, with bilateral trade generating a surplus of around US$1.1 billion for West Java.
In tourism, Malaysian visitors represent about 12.5 percent of total international tourist arrivals to the province.
“These achievements reflect the strong and growing economic relationship between West Java and Malaysia,” Erwan said.
Selangor and West Java Strengthen ASEAN Economic Links
Selangor Menteri Besar Dato Seri Amirudin Shari said Bandung’s selection as the first international host city for SIBS ASEAN demonstrates the increasing importance of regional economic cooperation.
“This is not merely a business event, but a platform to build stronger economic cooperation between Selangor, West Java, Indonesia, Malaysia, and ASEAN,” Amirudin said.
The Selangor delegation brought around 70 companies and 225 business representatives to Bandung, exploring opportunities in strategic sectors including aerospace, railways, automotive, creative industries, energy, healthcare, education, and technology.
The event also featured the Selangor Medical Tourism and Education Expo, highlighting opportunities in healthcare services, wellness, tourism, and higher education.
Several strategic cooperation agreements were signed during the summit, including partnerships involving universities, tourism organizations, workforce development institutions, and technology sectors.
Among them was cooperation between Universiti Selangor (UNISEL) and Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), as well as collaboration related to semiconductor development through the Indonesia Chip Design Collaborative Center (ICDeC).
Building Future-Focused Industries
Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade highlighted the potential for deeper cooperation with Selangor in high-value industries, including semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, aviation, and emerging technologies.
Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri said Indonesia and Selangor have complementary economic strengths that can create stronger regional supply chains.
“Indonesia welcomes opportunities to expand cooperation in strategic industries and strengthen ASEAN economic resilience,” she said.
She added that semiconductor talent development and technical vocational education and training (TVET) cooperation could become important foundations for future industrial growth.
With its large consumer market, strategic infrastructure, productive workforce, and expanding industrial ecosystem, West Java aims to position itself as a gateway for ASEAN investment and a key partner for global businesses. (AT Network)
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