Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Industry recorded that as of January 15, as many as 1,236 industrial companies have started their production for the first time in 2026, creating jobs for 218,892 people. Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, in a statement here on Sunday, noted the start of production for these companies proves that despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, the national manufacturing sector continues to show a strong foundation.In 2026, the growth of the non-oil and gas manufacturing industry's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is targeted to reach 5.51 percent, reaffirming the manufacturing sector's strategic position as the backbone of national economic growth.“The manufacturing industry continues to grow above 5 percent and serves as the engine of the national economy. We are optimistic that this performance can be maintained and improved throughout 2026,” Kartasasmita said.He explained that the 1,236 companies are those that have reported their construction phase in 2025 and are scheduled to begin full operations this year, supported by investments in the non-oil and gas manufacturing sector totaling Rp551.88 trillion (around US$32.6 billion).He further said that, to maintain the growth momentum, his ministry continues to push the acceleration of industrialization, Industrial Transformation 4.0, and the strengthening of the industrial sector from upstream to downstream.In terms of employment, the non-oil and gas manufacturing sector is targeted to absorb 14.68 percent of the total national workforce in 2026, with labor productivity reaching Rp126.2 million per person annually.To support this goal, investment in the non-oil and gas manufacturing sector is targeted to reach Rp852.9 trillion in 2026.In response to global uncertainties and increasingly complex industrial challenges, the Ministry of Industry has initiated the New National Industry Strategy to bolster the industry's foundations sustainably in accordance with the directions of development.Through the strategy, the ministry is prioritizing a forward and backward linkage approach to optimize the connections between the upstream, manufacturing, and service sectors.This approach is aimed at strengthening industrial supply chains, enhancing production efficiency, and expanding job creation.