Spanish Investors Eye International Port Project in Jepara

Monday, 21 September 2026

Jepara is not only famous for its furniture and beautiful coastal areas. The regency in Central Java is also preparing an ambitious plan to build an international port. Interestingly, the project has attracted attention from potential investors from Spain.

Jepara Regency Government said that a potential Spanish investor had expressed interest in the planned international commercial port in Balong Village, Kembang District. The Spanish side was also scheduled to visit Jepara in October 2025 to look at the proposed project location directly.

Spanish Investors Show Interest

The interest came after a virtual meeting between the Jepara Government, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, and potential investors from Spain. The meeting discussed possible strategic cooperation, particularly investment and marine infrastructure development.

For Jepara, this is an important step because building an international port requires large investment, advanced planning, and strong technical support.

The potential investors were reportedly involved in port development projects in Asia. This experience is one reason why the Jepara Government was interested in exploring further cooperation.

However, it is important to understand that the investment was still at the exploration stage at that time. The Spanish side had expressed interest, but the final investment value and funding arrangement still needed further studies and discussions.

A Large Port Project

The planned port would be located in Balong, Kembang, on the northern coast of Jepara. The proposed development area covers around 700 hectares.

The location is considered strategic because Jepara is directly connected to the Java Sea. The project is also planned to be integrated with an industrial area, creating a possible connection between manufacturing activities, logistics, exports, and imports.

This means the project is not simply about building a place where ships can dock. The wider plan could involve industrial development and logistics facilities around the port.

Why Does Jepara Need an International Port?

The Jepara Government sees the port as an opportunity to improve logistics connectivity. A new port could potentially support shipping between Indonesian islands while also creating connections with international shipping routes.

The project could also provide another logistics option for Central Java. The Jepara Government has pointed to challenges facing Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang as one reason why another major port could be useful for the region.

If developed successfully, better port infrastructure could make it easier for businesses to move goods and support future industrial activities around Jepara.

Feasibility Study Comes First

Before construction can move forward, the project still needs careful preparation. One important step is the feasibility study, or FS.

The planned port area has already been included in Jepara’s regional spatial planning regulation. The government was also preparing the feasibility study as part of the development process.

For potential investors, this study is important because it can provide information about the technical, economic, environmental, and financial aspects of the project.

Overall, Spanish interest gives the Jepara international port project an interesting international dimension. It also shows that Jepara is looking beyond its traditional image as a furniture center and tourism destination.

For now, the project is still going through preparation and investment discussions. But with its coastal location, planned industrial integration, and potential connection to international shipping routes, the proposed port could become an important part of Jepara’s future infrastructure development.