The plan involves collaboration between Indonesia and China.
According to Hartarto, the cooperation aims to support industrial investment in the Batang SEZ, with an investment plan of Rp16 trillion (around US$967 million).
He said the initiative was discussed during a meeting between President Prabowo and President Xi Jinping.
"So today’s meeting is a follow-up to that discussion,” he said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The Two Countries Twin Parks initiative is a collaborative effort to align the development visions of Indonesia and China, namely the Global Maritime Axis and the Belt and Road Initiative.
The plan aims to strengthen investment and industrial relations in the maritime, food manufacturing, building materials, and electronics sectors.
Since the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2021, the cooperation has boosted investment in industrial areas in both Indonesia and China.
The project is expected to increase Chinese investment in Indonesia while accelerating infrastructure development and technology transfer to enhance national industrial competitiveness, Hartarto explained.
In addition to Batang, he also briefed Prabowo on the development of the Nongsa SEZ in Batam, Riau Islands, during the meeting.
The National Council for Special Economic Zones plans to expand the Nongsa SEZ by 22.43 hectares to meet the increasing global demand for digital services and the need for efficient, environmentally friendly data centers. The target investment realization is Rp20.07 trillion.
The government also plans to develop digital technology and tourism at the Singhasari SEZ in Malang, East Java.
The SEZ is set to become Indonesia's first digital hub, offering an ideal location for business and investment development.
To support this vision, the management is committed to preparing digital talents to meet industry needs and positioning the Singhasari SEZ as the pilot project for Indonesia’s first Education Special Economic Zone.
"King’s College London has already begun operations there, and in the future, Queen Mary University London, a member of the Russell Group, will also establish a presence,” Hartarto said.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Anton Santoso
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