Malaysia Top Foreign Investor Again In Indonesia's Banten With RM9.81 Bln
By Nik Nurfaqih Nik Wil
JAKARTA, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has again emerged as the largest foreign investor in Indonesia's Banten province between 2023 and 2025, recording Rp43 trillion or RM9.81 billion (Rp1 mln = RM228.10) in realised investments.
Minister Counsellor (Economy) at the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta Ahmad Akmal Muhamad said a total of 174 Malaysian companies were currently operating in the province, reflecting the country's substantial business presence in the region.
“Their presence is driven by several factors, including well-developed industrial ecosystems, integrated logistics connectivity, a supportive provincial government and proactive investment authorities,” he told Bernama.
Malaysia's investment presence was also acknowledged at the Banten Investment Forum 2026 on Friday, where the country received a Strategic Partner Appreciation award in recognition of its contribution to the province's economic development.
Ahmad Akmal said the recognition reflected Malaysia's position as Banten's largest foreign investor during the three-year period, followed by Singapore and Japan.
He identified three major industrial areas supporting Malaysian businesses, namely the petrochemical and heavy industry corridor in Cilegon and western Serang, the diversified manufacturing and logistics corridor in Serang Regency, and the high-technology and digital innovation zone in Tangerang.
Malaysia had also emerged as Banten's largest foreign investor in 2022, recording Rp17.31 trillion in realised investments, according to figures released by the provincial government.
Banten, covering about 9,356 square kilometres at the western tip of Java, borders Jakarta and West Java and serves as a gateway between Java and Sumatra across the Sunda Strait, according to Indonesia's Statistics Agency (BPS) and the provincial government.
According to Banten's Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP), the province has 21 industrial estates and two special economic zones, namely Tanjung Lesung and the Banten Education, Technology and International Health Special Economic Zone in Bumi Serpong Damai.
Its industrial base includes steel, petrochemicals, chemicals and food processing, supported by port infrastructure, including Ciwandan Port, which handles general cargo, food commodities and specialised industrial shipments, according to state-owned port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo).
Meanwhile, state ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry said in February that the Merak-Bakauheni crossing, linking Banten with Lampung province in Sumatra, serves as a major transport corridor for passengers, vehicles and goods distribution.
According to BPS data released on Feb 2, Banten recorded about US$51.93 billion (US$1 = RM4.08) in merchandise trade in 2025, comprising US$13.01 billion in exports and US$38.92 billion in imports, up 6.66 per cent and 1.62 per cent, respectively, from the previous year.
-- BERNAMA