Central Java and France Agree to Strengthen Strategic Partnership, Including the Furniture Industry in Jepara
HALO JATENG – The French Ambassador to Indonesia, Fabien Penone, met with the Governor of Central Java, Ahmad Luthfi, in Semarang on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The visit was intended to strengthen the partnership between Central Java Province and the country.
Fabien Penone stated that Central Java is now a priority province for France in establishing strategic cooperation. He stated that Central Java is a province with rich cultural, economic, and tourism potential.
“This visit is not just a protocol visit. It is to ensure that Central Java is a priority province,” said Fabien Penone.
According to him, the relationship between Indonesia and France is currently very close, especially this year, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The French President has also visited Indonesia, including Central Java, demonstrating the importance of Indonesia’s strategic position both regionally and internationally.
In addition to meeting Governor Ahmad Luthfi, Penone also attended several activities, including the inauguration of the Alliance Française in Semarang City, a cultural institution that is part of a network of 800 French cultural centers worldwide.
“Tomorrow I will visit Albéa, a French company that produces cosmetic packaging. We hope this will encourage other companies to come and invest in Central Java,” said Penone.
For your information, according to data from the Central Java Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP), the value of French investment in Central Java until the first semester of 2025 reached IDR 259.3 billion. French investment trends in Central Java fluctuate. However, from 2024 to 2025, there will be a significant increase, particularly in the rubber and plastics, non-metallic minerals, services, and hotel and restaurant sectors.
French companies investing in Central Java include Techpack Asia in Demak Regency, Cipta Mortar Utama in Semarang City, and several furniture companies in Jepara.
Specifically, with regard to France, Central Java’s exports from January to July 2025 were US$57.75 million, while imports were US$18.64 million. The main export products to France include furniture, processed wood, clothing, essential oils, plastics, leather products, toys, footwear, as well as coffee, tea, spices, and others.
Similarly, Central Java also offers various projects ranging from education, mini-hydro power plants, tourism development, integrated coconut industries, and even green hospitals.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi welcomed this opportunity. “Following the signing of the cooperation agreement by the president in France, relations will be further strengthened in Indonesia, especially in Central Java. We are also opening up many investments, particularly in education, student exchanges, vocational training, and other areas,” said Luthfi. (*)
