Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that there are several Special Economic Zones (SEZ) that still have minimal investment. The issue has been reported to President Prabowo Subianto.
Airlangga said that the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with minimal investment are SEZ Tanjung Kelayang in Bangka Belitung, SEZ Morotai in North Maluku, and SEZ Arun Lhokseumawe in Aceh. “The President is very eager to see the development of each SEZ and to inquire in detail about their progress and the challenges they face. I have reported that there are several SEZs with challenges such as SEZ Tanjung Kelayang, SEZ Morotai, and also SEZ in Aceh because their investment realization is still very limited,” said Airlangga at the Indonesia SEZ Business Forum 2024 event at the St. Regis Hotel, Jakarta, Monday (9/12/2024).
In the tourism sector, Airlangga mentioned that there are several KEKs that need improvement in terms of access. For example, Bangka Belitung needs regional flight access. “The president has already directed that regional flights should be opened because the location is very strategic. Similarly, several other tourist targets including Labuan Bajo and the Mandalika area in Lombok. Therefore, several international flight accesses should be opened so that tourism can be boosted in several tourist areas including the Special Economic Zone (KEK),” he explained.
According to Airlangga, today’s meeting is very important to realize the investment that the government has provided for the special economic zone (KEK). He also invited the attending investors to develop the special economic zone (KEK). “So if they want to wave the white flag, please let me know so we can find other investors who are willing and able to develop the special economic zone,” he said.
Airlangga mentioned that the increase in investment through KEK has become one of the drivers of economic growth in ASEAN countries. This momentum presents an opportunity to pursue Indonesia’s growth target of 8% over the next five years.
“KEK has become a major driver of growth in China, Vietnam, other ASEAN countries, and Thailand.” So I think it’s time for the KEK in Indonesia to maximize its opportunities. We don’t have much time, the target is 3-4 years. Therefore, we must take advantage of geo-economic and geostrategic opportunities,” he added.
As information, the government has currently built around 24 Special Economic Zones (KEK) spread across various sectors including manufacturing, digital economy, health, and education. Throughout this year, investments amounting to Rp 242.5 trillion have entered, creating 151 thousand jobs and involving 394 business operators.
These 3 Special Economic Zones Have Minimal Investment
