Malaysia Top Foreign Investor Again In Indonesia's Banten With $US 2.4 Bln

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 (RM1=US$0.24) 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.

-- BERNAMA