May 18, 2026
Kendal Special Economic Zone
(SEZ) is increasingly playing a key role as one of Indonesia’s most dynamic
industrial growth hubs, while also serving as a symbol of the successful
strategic collaboration between Indonesia and Singapore. As the zone continues
to grow, it is increasing its industrial land capacity and strengthening its
contribution to regional and national economic growth.
During a bilateral meeting
between Singaporean Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Indonesian Foreign
Minister Sugiono, it was noted that the economic partnership established
through the development of Kendal SEZ serves as a concrete example of mutually
beneficial cooperation. The Indonesian government stated that this
collaboration has opened up new investment opportunities, accelerated regional
industrialization, and created jobs. Meanwhile, the Singaporean government
emphasized that Kendal SEZ serves as a model of success for the development of
integrated industrial zones in Indonesia, capable of providing certainty,
efficiency, and competitiveness for global investors.
Data indicates that Central Java’s economy continues to grow. Investment in the first quarter of 2026 reached Rp 23.02 trillion, which is a 5.35 percent increase from the same period last year. There has been a consistent upward trend since 2021. Kendal Regency was one of the largest contributors to this achievement, with Rp 3.61 trillion in investment realization in the first quarter of 2026. In fact, Kendal was recorded as the region with the highest investment realization in Central Java in 2024.
As of the first quarter of
2026, Kendal SEZ has attracted 139 businesses with total investment commitments
reaching Rp 189.16 trillion and creating approximately 42,000 jobs. The growing
industrial sectors are quite diverse, ranging from the automotive, renewable
energy, electronics, pharmaceutical and medical device, fashion, furniture, and
food and beverage industries to other supporting industrial sectors.
To date, the number of
businesses continues to grow, and demand for industrial land in Kendal SEZ
continues to rise. In response to this high level of interest, the expansion of
Kendal SEZ is aimed at strengthening the integrated industrial ecosystem,
including improvements to infrastructure, logistics facilities, and area
utilities, as well as more efficient licensing support services.
Juliani Kusumaningrum,
Executive Director of Kendal SEZ, stated that the success of this zone is
inseparable from the close synergy between the central government, local
government, and strategic partners from Singapore. “Kendal Special Economic
Zone was established with a long-term vision to become a hub for modern
industrial growth that is globally competitive. We see investor confidence
continuing to rise, and it is our responsibility to maintain the quality of the
zone, strengthen the industrial ecosystem, and ensure that investment growth
goes hand in hand with job creation and economic benefits for the community,”
she said.
Juliani added that Kendal SEZ serves not only as an
industrial zone but also as a driver of regional economic transformation. With
consistent policy support and strong international collaboration, Kendal SEZ is
confident it can continue to strengthen its position as the industrial hub of
Kendal Regency and one of the engines of economic growth in Central Java.