Semarang, Central Java, Aug 24 (Antara) - The provincial administration of Central Java said it will support expansion of the Kendal industrial estate (KIK) to meet the international standard.

"We are ready to support," Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo said here on Wednesday.

The governor said the support could be in the form of Labor Training Center to produce skilled workers, and infrastructure like railway, the use of Tanjung Emas port of Semarang and toll road between Batang and Kaliwungu, Kendal, and access road from Kendal to the port of Tanjung Emas.

"My concept earlier was to build an airport in Kendal, but there was strong protest. Therefore, I asked for the improvement of road infrastructure ," the governor said.

PT Jababeka and Sembcorp Development Ltd cooperate in building the 2,700 hectare industrial estate with residential areas.

Earlier KIK hoped to attract 20 domestic and foreign investors to invest in Kendal this year.

So far 16 companies with different lines of business have been ready to invest in that area opening around 3,000 jobs.

Three of the 16 companies are in the phase of building factories including one expected to be operational before the end of this month.

The companies include from Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore with total investment of around Rp3.2 trillion to operate in furniture industry, interior furnishing industry especially for hotels and tourist boats.