West Java Chamber of Commerce Promotes 21 Industrial Estates to Singaporean Investors, with Rebana and Kertajati Taking Center Stage
The West Java Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN West Java) has intensified its efforts to attract foreign direct investment by holding a business meeting with a delegation from Singapore.
During the meeting, KADIN West Java showcased the province's investment potential, highlighting its 21 industrial estates, the development of the Rebana Metropolitan Area, and the accelerated operational reopening of Kertajati International Airport (BIJB).
The meeting was led by Masrura Ram Idjal, Vice Chairman for Economic Affairs of KADIN West Java, alongside Vice Chairman Daniel GN and Permanent Committee Member Tubagus Robby S. The Singaporean delegation was headed by Esther Lee, Political Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Indonesia.
Masrura Ram Idjal explained that West Java is home to 21 industrial estates spread across various regencies and municipalities, each offering distinct characteristics and competitive advantages. He noted that differences in regional minimum wages (UMK) are among the key considerations for investors when selecting investment locations.
For instance, the minimum wage in Bekasi Regency is approximately IDR 5 million per month, while Majalengka Regency offers a significantly lower range of around IDR 2.6 million to IDR 2.8 million.
"These differences are among the primary factors companies consider when deciding where to establish or relocate manufacturing facilities in order to improve operational efficiency," Masrura said in Bandung on Sunday (July 12, 2026).
Masrura added that manufacturing remains the largest contributor to both investment realization and exports in West Java. Key industries driving the province's economic growth include textiles, garments, apparel, automotive manufacturing, electric vehicles, and automotive components.
Beyond manufacturing, KADIN West Java is also encouraging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to increase their contribution to exports by enhancing product quality and global competitiveness.
During the presentation, KADIN West Java introduced the Rebana Metropolitan Area as one of Indonesia's emerging economic growth centers with significant potential for international investors. The region is supported by Kertajati International Airport, an extensive toll road network, and direct access to seaports, creating a highly efficient logistics ecosystem.
"The West Java Provincial Government is actively promoting the Rebana Metropolitan Area to foreign investors as one of the country's future industrial and economic hubs," Masrura said.
KADIN West Java also revealed that a meeting with the management of Kertajati International Airport had been held on the same day to discuss the acceleration of the airport's reopening.
Earlier, President Prabowo Subianto instructed authorities to expedite the resumption of flight operations so that services could commence on August 17, 2026, earlier than the previous target of September 2026. Planned international routes include Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor Bahru, while domestic services are expected to connect Kertajati with Medan, Pekanbaru, Balikpapan, and Bali.
"Several airlines have expressed their readiness to operate from Kertajati Airport, including AirAsia, Scoot, TransNusa, and Lion Group," Masrura stated.
According to Masrura, the reopening of these routes will strengthen connectivity between West Java, Singapore, and Malaysia while boosting trade, investment, and tourism.
Responding to questions from the Singaporean delegation regarding the importance of airport accessibility for Bandung, Masrura explained that the city has a high level of mobility, particularly for business and leisure travel. Currently, reaching Soekarno-Hatta International Airport can take between four and five hours due to heavy traffic congestion.
"Direct flights from either Bandung or Kertajati will significantly reduce travel time, improving efficiency for business travelers and investors," he said.
KADIN West Java also highlighted several export-oriented industries with strong growth potential, including textiles, garments, apparel, electric vehicles, automotive components, aerospace, Airbus and Boeing components, defense manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, coffee, and tea.
Masrura emphasized that West Java offers numerous competitive advantages as an investment destination. These include Indonesia's largest population, an abundant labor force, strategic proximity to Jakarta as the country's administrative and business center, and continuously improving infrastructure supported by industrial estates, toll roads, seaports, and airports.
Meanwhile, Esther Lee, Political Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Indonesia, conveyed the Singaporean delegation's interest in understanding the evolving investment regulatory framework in Indonesia.
In response, KADIN West Java acknowledged that coordination between the central and regional governments remains a challenge, particularly in licensing procedures. However, the West Java Provincial Government continues to improve its investment climate through faster licensing services, investor assistance programs, business matching initiatives, and direct communication forums with the private sector.
KADIN West Java also invited the Singaporean delegation to attend an upcoming investment forum at Gedung Sate as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
During the meeting, KADIN emphasized that many negative perceptions surrounding Indonesia's investment climate do not fully reflect the actual conditions on the ground. The West Java Provincial Government continues to streamline regulations, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and resolve investment bottlenecks under the spirit of "No Complaint, More Investment."
The business meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen investment cooperation between West Java and Singapore.
"The Singaporean delegation expressed strong interest in West Java's manufacturing sector, the development of the Rebana Metropolitan Area, and enhanced regional connectivity through Kertajati International Airport, all of which are expected to support economic growth in both regions," Masrura concluded.
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