BANDUNG, July 9 — Cooperation between Selangor and West Java will continue beyond the two-day inaugural Bandung edition of the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS@ASEAN), with both sides to intensify collaborations in investment, trade and strategic sectors, said West Javan Vice-Governor Erwan Setiawan.
In his opening remarks at the summit, Erwan described SIBS@ASEAN as a catalyst for stronger long-term ties between the neighbouring regions, while inviting more Malaysian businesses to invest in West Java.
“I am confident this event will further strengthen the excellent cooperation between the Selangor government and the West Java provincial government,” he said at the event held at Pullman Bandung Grand Central here today.
Erwan also highlighted the close economic relationship between Malaysia and West Java, with the former remaining one of the province’s largest foreign investors and top 10 export destinations.
He noted that Malaysians also account for 12.5 per cent of all international tourist arrivals to West Java.
“Over the past five years, Malaysian investments in West Java have reached 47 trillion rupiah (RM10.5 billion).
“West Java’s trade balance with Malaysia recorded a surplus of US$1.1 billion (RM4.48 billion), reaffirming the close trade relationship between Malaysia and West Java.”
Calling SIBS@ASEAN a golden opportunity, Erwan urged delegates and investors from Selangor and other countries to explore long-term partnerships with West Java across multiple industries.
“Let us build concrete collaborations, from manufacturing and sustainable infrastructure to renewable energy, the creative economy and information technology.”
Erwan said West Java offers strong investment fundamentals, including a population of more than 50 million, the majority of whom are of productive working age, adding: “This makes West Java not only a large market but also a source of productive talent ready to support investment needs.”
He also said the province is supported by strategic infrastructure such as Patimban International Port, Kertajati International Airport, and major tolled highways including Cisumdawu and Cipali, which improve regional connectivity and logistics efficiency.
He pointed out that West Java’s economy grew by 5.79 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, outperforming Indonesia’s national growth rate of 5.61 per cent, adding that the province is promoting sustainable, inclusive investment with stronger legal certainty, strategic infrastructure, workforce development, support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and improved ease of doing business.
“West Java is ready to become the second home for the growth of your business … The provincial government will always be present as a facilitator and protector of every effort to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities for the people,” Erwan said.
