...we will ensure that the Sorong SEZ continues to exist and meets the central government's targets.
Sorong, Southwest Papua (ANTARA) - The provincial government of Southwest Papua will form a collaboration team with the Sorong district government to revitalize the Sorong Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

"Since the SEZ is located in Sorong district, an intervention must be done together," the acting governor of Southwest Papua, Muhammad Musa'ad, said here on Monday.

According to him, the revitalization work at the SEZ will include upgrading its facilities and infrastructure and issuing land certificates at the location.

"After coordinating with the Sorong district head, we will ensure that the Sorong SEZ continues to exist and meets the central government's targets," Musa'ad said.

The provincial government will help the district in developing the zone and ensuring that its development permit does not get revoked, he added.

He said his administration will increase coordination, discuss the budget, and share responsibilities.

The Sorong SEZ will not only be a center of economic growth in Southwest Papua, but also all of Papua, he added.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has granted more time to the provincial government to develop the Sorong SEZ.

Earlier, the central government had warned that the development of the SEZ in Sorong had slowed.

"The President has given us a chance to develop the SEZ with strategic efforts and seriousness," Musa'ad said.

The SEZ, which was established through Governmental Regulation (PP) No. 31/2016, spans an area of 523.7 hectares.

It was launched by former Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution on October 11, 2019.

The SEZ, which focuses on nickel, oil palm, forest and plantation processing industries, and logistics warehouses, is expected to absorb 15,024 workers.

Earlier, Musa'ad said that his side will also seek to attract investment into Sorong SEZ to boost economic growth in the area.

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Translator: Yuvensius B, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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