"Currently, there are 27 companies listed in the Batang SEZ, with seven companies already operating, seven others in the construction stage, and 13 others in preparation," he noted after the inauguration ceremony of the Batang Industropolis SEZ on Thursday.
The opening of the Batang Industropolis SEZ is a strategic step toward building an ecosystem of manufacturing, logistics, and tourism industries. Such an integrated system can become a driving force for the national economy, according to the minister.
"The system includes manufacturing, logistics, commercial, and tourism industries -- all of which are supported by basic infrastructure, such as the provision of raw water, waste installations, electricity, gas, as well as 10 tower apartments and 64 ready-to-use factory buildings," he informed.
The central government has allocated a budget of almost Rp4 trillion for infrastructure development in the Batang Industropolis SEZ.
"We want to ensure that this zone can function optimally in attracting investment," he added.
Hartarto said he is optimistic that through the development of special economic zones, Indonesia can compete with other countries in the Southeast Asian region.
"Vietnam has four industrial areas with an area of 1.6 million hectares, Malaysia has six areas with an area of 2.15 million hectares, Thailand has 10 areas with an area of 622 thousand hectares, and the Philippines has 20 thousand hectares," he highlighted.
"Meanwhile, Indonesia has 24 SEZs with a total area of only 21 thousand hectares," he pointed out.
According to the minister, the government is currently focusing on improving the manufacturing industry, which includes 12 SEZs; the tourism industry, which has eight SEZs; the digital industry with three SEZs; and one other service industry area.
"Total investment in all of Indonesia's SEZs reached Rp263.47 trillion with a workforce absorbed of 160,874 people. In line with the 8 percent economic growth target set by the President (Prabowo Subianto), increasing investment in SEZs is a top priority," he said.
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Translator: Kutnadi, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Primayanti
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