This concentration of industrial activity has stimulated a substantial economic boom in Jepara and surrounding areas and attracted local political support. For example, the need for container trucks to export furniture led the previous Bupati (district administrator) to have some major roads in the district reclassified as ‘provincial class’ roads. This allowed container trucks to reach most parts of the district, stimulating economic growth by attracting more people and activities, generating new trade and industry, and elevating economic activity around Jepara to a new level. The minimum wage of workers is reputed to be significantly higher in Jepara than in.
