Located in the southeastern part of Java Island, Indonesia, Malang is an attractive area known for its rich natural environment, cool climate, and reputation as both an educational and tourist city. In addition to tourism, the city is also rapidly developing as a hub for the creative industry.

This article provides an overview of Malang’s basic information such as population, climate, and transportation, as well as its main industries, and the benefits and considerations for Japanese companies expanding into the area.

Basic Information about Malang

(Source: Google Maps)

Location, Area, and Population

(Source: Google Maps)

Malang (both regency and city) is located in the southeastern part of Java Island, Indonesia. It is situated approximately 100 km south of Surabaya, the capital of East Java Province.

Malang City is the second-largest city in East Java Province, following Surabaya. Both its population and population density rank second in the province.

Malang City, Malang Regency, and the neighboring Batu City together form the Malang Metropolitan Area (Malang Raya).

• Malang City: Area 145.3 km², Population 872,700
• Malang Regency: Area 3,530.7 km², Population 2,736,000
• Batu City: Area 136.7 km², Population 222,700

Since 2018, the population growth rates are as follows: Malang City 0.8%, Malang Regency 5.9%, Batu City 8.1%.

References:
BPS Provinsi Jawa Timur, “Penduduk, Laju Pertumbuhan Penduduk, Distribusi Persentase Penduduk Kepadatan Penduduk, Rasio Jenis Kelamin Penduduk Menurut Kabupaten/Kota di Provinsi Jawa Timur, 2024” / “Luas Wilayah Menurut Kabupaten/Kota (km2), 2016-2020”

Malang Regency and Malang City

There are both “Malang Regency of East Java Province” and “Malang City of East Java Province.”
In Indonesia, “Regency (Kabupaten)” and “City (Kota)” are administratively equal. Although Malang Regency surrounds Malang City geographically, administratively they are both independent entities under East Java Province.

Climate

Although Java Island is long from east to west, it is narrow from north to south, and the climate does not vary much across its flatlands. Malang also shares the same tropical climate as Jakarta and other regions, with a rainy season from around October to March and a dry season from around April to September.

However, both Malang City and Malang Regency include many areas at elevations of several hundred meters or more. Therefore, in some areas, the temperature often drops below 20°C in the mornings and evenings, making for a characteristically cool climate.
The average annual temperature in Malang City in 2023 was 25.3°C, which is about 2°C lower than Indonesia’s national average of 27.2°C.

References:
BPS Kota Malang, “Pengamatan Suhu di Kota Malang (°C), 2023”
GoodStats, “Simak Rata-Rata Suhu Tahunan di Indonesia”

Transportation

Train

Long-Distance Trains
As one of the major cities in East Java Province, Malang is served by long-distance trains from various parts of Java Island. The terminal station is Malang Station (Malang Kotabaru Station).

Local Trains
Malang has several stations; among those bearing the name “Malang” is Malang Kotalama Station, which serves commuter lines such as the Penataran Line and Dhoho Line.
Malang Kotabaru Station accommodates not only the Penataran and Dhoho Lines but also the Tumapel Line, a commuter train connecting Surabaya and Malang.
The commuter lines pass through the center of Malang City and run north through Malang Regency but do not extend to the south.

Bus

Malang currently lacks city- or regency-operated bus routes. Additionally, the intercity bus service “Trans Jatim,” operated by East Java Province, does not currently run through Malang.

Malang City is working on developing an integrated public transportation system, including bus routes. Although discussions are ongoing to invite Trans Jatim service to Malang, no specific launch date has been determined.

For tourists, a sightseeing bus called “Malang City Tour (MACITO)” operates daily, offering views of the city from inside the vehicle.

Reference: Radar Malang, “Wacana Trayek Trans Jatim ke Malang Raya Jalan di Tempat”

Angkot (Public Minivan Transport)

Due to Malang’s mountainous terrain and narrow roads, “Angkot” serves as the main mode of public transportation. Often referred to as “shared-route taxis,” these are light vans that carry about 10 people and operate on fixed routes. However, there are no designated stops; passengers can board or alight at roadside locations.

Access from Japan to Malang

By Air from Japan to Malang

The nearest airport to Malang is Juanda International Airport, located in the suburbs of Surabaya. However, as of April 2025, there are no direct flights between Japan and Juanda International Airport.

To reach Juanda Airport from Japan, passengers typically transfer flights in Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific, etc.), Singapore (Singapore Airlines, etc.), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines, etc.), or Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Garuda Indonesia, etc.).

The flight time from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Juanda International Airport is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

From Juanda International Airport to Malang

Since Juanda International Airport does not have a train station, buses or taxis are generally used to travel to Malang. Alternatively, travelers can take a taxi to Sidoarjo Station, located about 20 km from the airport, and then transfer to a commuter train bound for Malang.

As for buses, City Trans, operated by the Blue Bird Group known for its blue taxis, started running express bus services in 2025. However, as the number of services is currently limited, it is recommended to check the schedule in advance. The travel time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the fare is IDR 135,000 (approximately USD 8.50) (Exchange rate: 1 USD = 15,900 IDR)

From Jakarta to Malang

When traveling to Malang via Jakarta, both trains and buses are available.

Train

From Jakarta to Malang, long-distance trains crossing Java Island are used.

The departure stations in Jakarta are Gambir Station and Pasar Senen Station in Central Jakarta. The travel time to Malang Station is approximately 13 to 15 hours on direct trains. Fares vary depending on the train and seat class, generally starting from IDR 350,000 (approximately USD 22.00) for economy class, and IDR 700,000 (approximately USD 44.00) for executive class.
(*Exchange rate: 1 USD = 15,900 IDR)

Please note that some trains require transfers on this route, so care is needed when purchasing tickets.

Bus

Many express buses operate from Jakarta.

The fare from Jakarta to Malang varies depending on the bus and travel date but is generally between IDR 400,000 to 600,000 (approximately USD 25.00 to 38.00). Travel time is typically around 10 to 12 hours. (Exchange rate: 1 USD = 15,900 IDR)

Tickets can be purchased from the operating bus companies’ websites or travel booking platforms such as Traveloka. Boarding and drop-off points differ depending on the bus company, so advance confirmation is necessary.

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Key Industries in Malang

Tourism Industry

Tourism Resources

Malang is well-known as a tourist destination. Within Malang City, popular attractions include the theme park “Jatim Park” and Southeast Asia’s first transportation museum, “Museum Angkut.”

In neighboring Batu City, there are numerous tourist spots blending nature with attractions, such as hot springs, apple orchards, and waterfalls. Agritourism utilizing plantations for tea leaves and other crops, along with locations themed around the recent trends of “healing” and “social media-worthy spots,” are also popular.

Furthermore, Malang is known as the gateway to Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia’s premier tourist destinations. Many Mount Bromo tourists stay in Malang City and depart their accommodations before dawn to reach the sunrise viewpoint.

Singhasari Special Economic Zone (KEK Singhasari)

Malang Regency is home to Indonesia’s first digital economy special economic zone, the Singhasari Economic Zone. Its four primary categories are tourism, digital technology, education (digital education), and the creative sector. Leveraging local tourism resources and young talent, the zone aims to create synergistic growth between tourism and the digital economy.

Singhasari Economic Zone: https://singhasari.co.id/

Creative Industry

Support for Malang’s Creative Industry

Malang City places high importance on the development of its creative industry.

One symbolic example is the Malang Creative Center (MCC), established within the city. MCC provides activity spaces for creators and academics across various fields and supports their activities. It also frequently hosts training sessions, conferences, and events related to the creative industry, positioning itself as the hub of the local creative scene.

MCC: https://mcc.or.id/

Among Malang’s creative industries, the gaming industry is particularly prominent. Malang City has been designated as one of the seven model cities for Indonesia’s game development under Presidential Decree No. 19 (2024) on Promoting National Game Industry Development.

Many popular games have already originated from Malang, some of which have received international acclaim. Notable game development companies in Malang include Algorocks Studio, Clay Game Studio, and Let’splay Indonesia.

In the e-sports sector, Malang has also hosted large-scale events in cooperation with organizations such as the Indonesia e-Sports Association.

Furthermore, within the aforementioned Singhasari Economic Zone, Indonesia’s largest animation and film production facility, the “Animation and Film Factory (AFF),” has been established. Singhasari AFF collaborates with local vocational high schools and universities on talent development and content production.

Reference: bisnis.com, “Pengembangan Gim Lokal Didukung Malang Creative Center”

Malang’s Progress in Digitalization

In 2024, Malang City was recognized by the Ministry of Communication and Information (currently the Ministry of Digital Communication) as one of the “Six Cities with High Digital Society Index (IMDI).” Malang’s index for the year was 52.6, significantly exceeding the national average of 43.3.

IMDI is an indicator set by the Indonesian government to measure citizens’ competence and skill levels in using digital technology. It aims to assess the current state of the digital society across four pillars—Infrastructure & Ecosystem, Digital Skills, Empowerment, and Employment—and has been measured by regency and city since 2022.

Behind Malang City’s success in digitalization are not only government support but also a strong base of youth highly interested in digital technology.

Known as the “City of Education,” Malang City hosts numerous higher education institutions, including the prestigious Brawijaya University, Malang State University, and Muhammadiyah University of Malang. Consequently, collaboration among educational institutions, research organizations, companies, and government entities is active in areas related to tourism and the creative industry.

Manufacturing Industry

Although there are no government-designated industrial parks, manufacturing remains one of Malang’s key industries. With numerous tea, coffee, and cacao plantations dating back to the Dutch colonial era, Malang is particularly known for its thriving food processing industry. Several companies operate both plantations and food processing businesses.

Related to food processing, agriculture and the logistics industry are also important sectors for Malang.

Southern Malang Industrial Park

In 2024, the Malang Regency Government announced the acquisition of 300 hectares of land in the Bululawang area in the southern part of the regency for the development of an industrial park, with construction slated to begin between 2025 and 2026.

Malang Regency positions this new industrial park as a “Food Estate (large-scale agricultural production project).” The plan is to attract food processing companies and gather seafood, fruits, milk, and other products from surrounding areas for manufacturing.

Through this industrial park, Malang Regency aims to revitalize local industries, create new business opportunities, and generate employment.

Reference: Malang Voice, “Pemkab Siapkan Lahan 300 Hektare untuk Kawasan Industri”

Japanese Companies Operating in Malang

Currently, the number of Japanese companies that have established local subsidiaries or factories in Malang is limited.

A representative example is Otsuka Pharmaceutical, which operates a factory and distribution branch in Malang. Yakult has also opened a branch office.

In addition, Japanese automotive and motorcycle dealers and repair shops, restaurants, and convenience stores have opened outlets mainly within Malang City.

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C2 (Participation in business meetings and purchasing goods): $230
C19 (After-sales service) / C20(Installation and repair of machinery): $300
D2 (Participation in business meetings and purchasing goods (1-year validity)): $380
E23/E24/E25 (Work VISA): $1,500

Considerations When Expanding into Malang

Wage Levels

East Java Province is one of the provinces in Indonesia with relatively low minimum wages.

However, within Indonesia, regencies or cities within a province can independently set regional minimum wages higher than the provincial minimum wage. Both Malang City and Malang Regency have established such regional minimum wages. Medium-sized and large companies are obligated to apply these regional minimum wages, so this requires careful attention.

2025 Provincial and Regional Minimum Wages

• Malang City Regional Minimum Wage: IDR 3,507,693 (approximately USD 220.60*)
• Malang Regency Regional Minimum Wage: IDR 3,553,530 (approximately USD 223.40*)
• Batu City Regional Minimum Wage: IDR 3,360,466 (approximately USD 211.30*)
• East Java Provincial Minimum Wage: IDR 2,305,985 (approximately USD 145.10*)
• National Average Provincial Minimum Wage: IDR 3,315,728 (approximately USD 208.50) (Exchange rate: 1 USD = 15,900 IDR)

Among many regencies and cities within East Java Province where the minimum wage remains in the IDR 2 million range, the Malang metropolitan area maintains relatively higher wage levels. By comparison, Jakarta’s minimum wage in 2025 is IDR 5,396,761 (approximately USD 339.40*).

References:

• Kompas.id, “Upah Minimum 2025 Rata-rata Rp 3.315.728”
• BPS Kabupaten Probolinggo, “Upah Minimum Kabupaten/Kota di Jawa Timur (Rupiah), 2024-2025”

Traffic Congestion

Due to population growth and infrastructure deficiencies, certain areas suffer from severe traffic congestion. Congestion is particularly chronic around major stations, markets, and intersections.

Roads leading to Batu City, a popular tourist destination, also tend to experience heavy traffic. In addition to high traffic volumes, landslides and fallen trees during the rainy season often cause further delays.

Infrastructure and Transportation Costs

Although road facilities and internet infrastructure are relatively well-developed within Malang City, suburban areas often face insufficiencies. Furthermore, public transportation is not yet considered convenient.

For companies involved in import/export, transportation costs pose a particular challenge. The hubs for East Java’s import/export activities—Tanjung Perak Port and Juanda Airport—are both located on the outskirts of Surabaya, about 100 km from Malang City.

While new highway and railway construction projects are being planned within the Malang metropolitan area, companies considering expansion into Malang should also closely monitor infrastructure development plans.

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Malang’s Cityscape and Industries Through Videos

Malang Creative Center (MCC)

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Opened in 2023, the Malang Creative Center serves as a base for individuals involved in the creative industry.

Approximately 60% of the space within the 8-story building is designated as “support space,” equipped with various facilities for creators and industry professionals to use for their activities. Additionally, the center hosts events such as shows and exhibitions.

The remaining 40% is allocated as “commercial space,” allowing creators to exhibit and sell their works.

Popular Tourist Spots in Malang

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Check out this 2024 video introducing three of the most popular tourist destinations in Malang to get a sense of recent trends.

One immediately noticeable feature is the spaciousness of these attractions. In Malang, where vast tracts of land are still available just a short distance from the city center, numerous tourist spots have been developed to showcase the surrounding mountains’ beautiful views. The ability to enjoy various experiences, including dining and recreation, in one location, as well as the photo- and video-friendly environments, are key attractions.

The first spot is Malang Skyland, which opened in 2023. Visitors can enjoy 360-degree mountain views, rides and activities, social media-friendly photo spots, and cafés.

The second is Flora Wisata San Terra (San Terra Tourist Flower Garden). Despite its name, this is not just a flower garden but a comprehensive leisure facility that also features an amusement park and swimming pool.

The third is NK Café. Stylish cafés boasting spacious gardens and scenic views are rapidly emerging in Malang. At NK Café, in addition to meals, visitors can enjoy activities such as cycling and swimming.

Agritourism at Tea Plantations in Malang

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Agrowisata Wonosari is a leisure facility operated by PT Perkebunan Nusantara XII (PTPN XII), based in Surabaya. PTPN XII manages plantations and manufactures products such as tea, coffee, and cacao beans.

This facility offers various outdoor activities, as well as restaurants and accommodations. Of course, visitors can also tour the tea plantations.

Future Prospects for Malang

Malang is a region with promising prospects for development across diverse sectors such as tourism, education, the creative industry, and food processing. Although the number of Japanese companies expanding into the area remains limited at present, this also means there is significant potential for market development. Collaboration with local governments, businesses, and educational institutions will be key.

On the other hand, challenges such as underdeveloped transportation infrastructure and the limitations of public transport remain. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly understand local conditions when considering expansion.

If your company is interested in expanding into Indonesia, please feel free to contact PT. TRICRUISE MARKETING INDONESIA.