Paradigm shift fortifies Lippo Cikarang as a pillar of the Indonesian economy

The tide is turning for Cikarang, the industrial capital of Bekasi Regency in Indonesia's West Java located about 30 kilometres east of Jakarta. Reflecting the country's robust industrial development fuelled by record-high foreign direct investments and rapid credit growth, the city is bustling with life, commerce and progress - and at the heart of it is Lippo Cikarang.

Acclaimed as a self-contained city, Lippo Cikarang is home to more than 45,000 residents, 892 shophouses and 820 factories. Supporting the region's growing light-medium industrial sector, it has created more than 80,000 jobs and welcomes 350,000 daily workers. Completing the community are some of the country's renowned international educational institutions and biggest, most advanced hospitals.

Lippo Cikarang's success is rooted in its strategic location between Indonesia's largest cities, greater Jakarta and Bandung - the Cikarang Industrial Corridor - where more than half of Indonesia's light-medium industrial output is manufactured. The corridor nurtures several car and electronic clusters and houses an expansive range of other critical light- to medium-size production facilities. It accounts for up to 50 per cent of domestic light-medium industrial output, making it a primary driver of the country's solid decade of global economic growth.

"Having a good master plan as a township where industry harmonises with community and nature has been a crucial component of that success," says Meow Chong Loh, Lippo Cikarang's president and CEO. "Our sense of accomplishment comes from knowing we develop residences where people can feel at home; commercial areas with a branded image and products that attract customers; and a thriving light-medium industrial park in a township with good infrastructure and growing amenities."

Another factor behind the township's success is Indonesia's largest property developer, Lippo Group. Recognised among the best of its kind locally and across Asia, the Indonesian business leader has grown alongside the country as a steward whose passion and hard work impact the lives of many. The group has a diverse portfolio covering the property, retail, media and education sectors, and has a regional presence in China and several other Asian countries.

Lippo Cikarang's ability to turn roughly 3,000 hectares of land into valuable developments has positioned the township as a pillar of the regional economy, which is expected to flourish further alongside the national growth. As of last year, Lippo Cikarang has allocated prime industrial land to more than 820 factories such as Hankook, Danone Dairy Indonesia and Kia Motors.