The Indonesian government is optimistic about the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the country playing a pivotal role in enhancing Indonesia's macroeconomic factors such as economic growth, investment, exports, and imports. The government believes that with robust policy support, SEZs can boost Indonesia's competitiveness on the global stage. Speaking at the Indonesia SEZ Business Forum 2023 held in KEK Tanjung Kelayang, Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Province, Susiwijono Moegiarso, the Acting Secretary-General of the National SEZ Council, emphasized the government's confidence in SEZs becoming destinations for significant global investments. The National SEZ Council's national meeting in 2023 recorded an investment increase surpassing the set target, reflecting the strengthening policies within SEZs. The business forum aimed to disseminate SEZ policies, promote investment opportunities within SEZs to stakeholders and potential investors, and raise public awareness about SEZs.
As of December 2023, 20 SEZs in Indonesia have attracted investments totaling IDR 167.2 trillion, a substantial increase of IDR 62.9 trillion compared to the previous year. This surge in investment has generated over 113,000 jobs from 325 business entities. In the evaluation of Q4 2023 performance, two SEZs, Gresik and Kendal, exceeded their investment and job creation targets for the year. Susiwijono stated that SEZs are designed to drive inclusive economic growth by fostering new sources of economic activity. While initially intended to be established outside Java, strategic considerations, such as logistical and human resource factors, led to the development of SEZs, with Gresik and Kendal emerging as the largest ones. The government's evaluation focuses on two key aspects: real investment and the creation of new job opportunities, ensuring tangible contributions to Indonesia's economic development. Safrizal ZA, the Acting Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands, expressed gratitude for selecting KEK Tanjung Kelayang as the host for the event. He anticipates that the Indonesia SEZ Business Forum 2023 will boost the region's economy and advance Bangka Belitung Islands. The forum featured discussions on two distinct themes: the Development and Investment Opportunities in Indonesia's Tourism SEZs, and the Development and Investment Opportunities in SEZs for the Manufacturing and Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) sectors. The event provided valuable insights for stakeholders, promoting SEZs as engines of economic growth and competitiveness for Indonesia.
