The Semarang City Government through the One-Stop Investment and Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP) is conducting business exploration in Bandung. The strategy is to encourage cooperation and investment from outside the region to Semarang City.

Diah Supartiningtias, Head of DPMPTSP Semarang City, said that the business meeting titled Investment Promotion Roadshow (IPRo) tried to bridge business players and policymakers in Semarang City with business associations in Bandung.

Diah said there were four businesses invited to visit Bandung. The four businesses include PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Daop 4 Semarang, PT Kawasan Industri Wijayakusuma (KIW), PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) as the manager of Tanjung Emas Port, but was unable to attend, and Aviarna Industrial Estate under PT Bumi Raya Perkasa Nusantara.

"We are doing activities in order to sell in collaboration with the Bandung City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin). Incidentally, Kadin Bandung City did not only invite business people from Bandung, but there were also business people from Singapore and the UK," said Diah in a press release on Thursday (9/5/2024).

Diah explained that IPRo was held as an effort to explore collaboration opportunities by utilising existing regional potential. In this case, Semarang City has various potentials to support businesses run in Bandung. For example, the existence of Tanjung Emas Harbour.

"Bandung does not have a port, while the closest port is in Tanjung Priok, where you have to queue. And the cost can be more expensive, now if you use the Tanjung Emas Port, the calculation can be cheaper," explained Diah.

From the meeting, DPMPTSP Semarang City noted that there are three companies from Bandung that are interested in developing their business in Semarang City. The three companies include PT Yama Ekspress which is engaged in transport services, PT Mega Trans Jaya from shipping services, and PT Lodaya Dua Indonesia which is engaged in industry.

The investment interest will have a positive impact on the economy of Semarang City. For information, during the first quarter of 2024, Semarang City's investment realisation from domestic investment (PMDN) ranked first in Central Java. Based on the records of the Ministry of Investment/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), PMDN investment realisation in Semarang City during the first quarter of 2024 reached Rp1.96 trillion. Meanwhile, foreign direct investment (FDI) realisation in Semarang City reached Rp551.4 billion, ranking among the top three largest FDI investment realisations in Central Java. Cumulatively, Semarang City's investment realisation is also the second largest in Central Java. BKPM recorded that investment realisation in Semarang City during the first quarter of 2020 reached Rp2.71 trillion.

Chairul Yaqin Hidayat, Vice Chairman of Kadin Bandung, welcomed the collaboration offered by DPMTPSP Semarang City. According to him, the initiative is an opportunity for businesses to continue developing their businesses.

"This innovation not only improves the business climate in Bandung, but also serves as a bridge between two different natural potentials," Chairul explained.

With the collaboration between Semarang City and Bandung City, Chairul said that the business will boost growth and help accelerate the economy in the two regions.

"The goal is to have a positive impact on the people and entrepreneurs in the region," he continued.

The collaboration was also appreciated by Muhammad Rosyid, Licensing Coordinator of DPMPTSP Bandung City. Rosyid said that the collaboration in order to increase the utilisation of Tanjung Emas Port will have a positive impact on trade activities in Bandung City. In particular, the collaboration will also increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the trade sector.

"Hopefully this opportunity can be captured by entrepreneurs in Bandung and can provide benefits for all," said Rosyid.