DESKJABAR — West Java's industrial areas continued to show significant development throughout 2026. From the inauguration of the BYD electric vehicle factory in Subang to the start of a waste-to-electricity project in Bekasi, the investment landscape in this province with 181 industrial areas is increasingly vibrant.
According to data from the West Java Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP), 16 companies had entered the production phase as of June 2026. Total investment from these companies reached Rp 15.45 trillion, employing 48,593 workers.
This is certainly good news for West Java amidst the storm of layoffs (PHK) that has hit Indonesia's industrial sector, which is currently still affected by unstable economic conditions.
The Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) recorded that 43,805 workers were laid off in Indonesia from January to July 2026.
Meanwhile, data from the Indonesian Employers' Association (Apindo) recorded a higher number of layoffs, reaching 126,000 workers in January–May 2026. This figure is based on data on inactive workers at BPJS Ketenagakerjaan.
West Java was recorded as the province with the highest number of layoffs. The provinces with the highest number of layoffs as of July 2026 were:
-West Java: 8,830 workers
-East Java: 4,781 workers
-Banten: 4,767 workers
-DKI Jakarta: 3,190 workers
-Central Java: 3,074 workers
Trillions of Rupiah in Investment Flowing in
The most striking development that occurred in the industrial area in West Java this year was seen from the entry of large investments in the manufacturing and energy sectors.
The BYD factory in Subang Smartpolitan Industrial Park officially began operations in September 2026, with an investment of Rp 11.7 trillion. The 126-hectare facility is targeted to produce 150,000 electric vehicles annually and create nearly 9,000 new jobs.
In Karawang, investment realization by mid-2026 reached IDR 20.43 trillion, ranking second highest in West Java.
Foreign Direct Investment (PMA) dominated the figure, amounting to Rp15.95 trillion, while Domestic Direct Investment (PMDN) reached Rp4.47 trillion. The industrial estate, manufacturing, and logistics sectors were the main contributors.
Meanwhile, Bogor Regency recorded Rp13.72 trillion in realized investment through the second quarter of 2026, employing 25,502 workers. The largest investment came from the manufacturing sector, followed by trade and services.
Not only conventional industries, but the renewable energy sector is also growing rapidly. The government's 100 GW solar power plant program began with 14 projects, including one in West Java with a total capacity of 5.3 GWp. The Rp1,140 trillion program, managed by Danantara, is part of the national energy transition.
In Bekasi, the Rp3 trillion Waste to Electricity (PSEL) project officially began in August 2026. The facility in Ciketing Udik, Bantargebang, was designated a National Strategic Project in May 2026 and is expected to address waste issues while providing green energy.
Supporting infrastructure is also continuously being strengthened. The Cisem II gas pipeline, connecting East Java to West Java, entered the trial phase in August 2026. This natural gas transmission pipeline, spanning Batang-Cirebon-Kandang Haur Timur, is part of the National Strategic Project (PSN) in the energy sector to strengthen industrial gas supplies.
Impact of Labor Absorption
Industrial estate development is not only about investment figures, but also about tangible impacts on the community. West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi emphasized the importance of integrating high schools (SMA/SMK) with industry to increase job absorption.
"Later, the classes will be integrated (with industry)," he said while discussing the program to improve human resource quality.
The BYD Subang factory is a prime example of how major investments can create thousands of jobs. Nearly 9,000 new jobs will be created in the electric vehicle industry, with priority given to local residents with competencies that meet the factory's needs.
However, industrial development also brings challenges. The West Java Provincial Government is currently developing a new Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) to balance industrial development and environmental preservation.
The goal is to ensure that protected areas remain functional while industrial areas develop sustainably.
The West Java High Prosecutor's Office is also overseeing 13 strategic projects of the West Java Provincial Government in 2026, worth billions to hundreds of billions of rupiah. Regional government agency heads signed integrity pacts to ensure the projects are transparent and deliver tangible impacts to the community.
Going forward, the biggest challenge is ensuring that industrial growth does not compromise environmental quality and the well-being of surrounding communities.
Education-industry integration, infrastructure strengthening, and strategic project oversight are key to achieving West Java's investment target of IDR 314 trillion by 2026.
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