Airlangga Reveals List Of Special Economic Zone Projects With Limited Investment

ANTARA FOTO/Ahmad Subaidi

Airlangga Reveals List Of Special Economic Zone Projects With Limited Investment

Tuesday, 10 Dec 2024

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto reported on the progress of several Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects to President Prabowo Subianto. Some projects are still facing challenges due to limited investment realization.

"The government has established approximately 22 SEZs, with 9 currently in progress. I have briefed the President on the developments of these SEZs, and he is very interested in monitoring the progress of each SEZ, inquiring in detail about their advancements and the challenges they face," he stated during the Indonesia SEZ Business Forum 2024 in Jakarta on Monday, December 9, 2024.

Airlangga noted that several SEZ projects are experiencing low investment levels, including the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ in Bangka Belitung, the Morotai SEZ in North Maluku, and the Arun Lhokseumawe SEZ in Aceh.

"I have reported that there are several SEZs facing challenges, such as Tanjung Kelayang, Morotai, and the one in Aceh, due to very limited investment realization," Airlangga remarked.

He emphasized the importance of business forums, such as the Indonesia SEZ Business Forum 2024, which facilitate meetings between SEZ managers from various regions and investors to achieve the investment targets set by the government for SEZs.

"It is now time for SEZs to market themselves effectively, capitalize on investment opportunities, and develop each SEZ," he asserted.

Airlangga further added that, based on Prabowo's directives, one of the strategies to achieve an 8% economic growth target is through SEZs. In several countries, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, and other Asian nations, SEZs have been key drivers of economic growth.

"I believe it is time for SEZs in Indonesia to fully leverage their opportunities. We do not have much time. The target is within three to four years. Therefore, we must take advantage of the geo-economic and geostrategic benefits," he concluded.