JAKARTA - The government is trying to accelerate the development of the Batam, Bintan and Karimun areas which have now been developed as Free Trade Zones and Free Ports. This strategic step is to increase investment, both from within and outside the country so that it can spur the recovery of the national economy.
Last weekend, Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita accompanied the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto on a working visit to Batam. "We will fully support the development of the 30-hectare SEZ BAT, because it has a wide multiplier effect for the national economy. This SEZ is targeted to attract investment of IDR 7.2 trillion by creating 9,976 jobs," said the Minister of Industry in Jakarta, Monday (14/6).
Furthermore, the development of SEZ BAT is ready to support aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)-based industrial activities. Indonesia is considered to have a competitive ability with other countries in providing aircraft maintenance services. One of these is realized through the synergy between the Ministry of Industry and the Indonesia Aircraft Maintenance Service Association (IAMSA) in the context of building educational units and providing expert teaching staff in the field of aircraft maintenance.
Meanwhile, regarding the NDP KEK, the Ministry of Industry also supports the development of the area which stands on an area of 166.45 hectares. Moreover, currently it has absorbed as many as 1,400 workers from the target of absorption of 16,500 workers. The NDP SEZ will be the entry point for international IT companies, such as those from Singapore or other foreign countries to grow large investments in the digital economy sector.
"In the original plan, the NDP SEZ would absorb a total investment of IDR 16 trillion, with investment in regional development of around IDR 1.1 trillion and investment from tenants projected to reach IDR 14.9 trillion," said the Minister of Industry. (LM)