Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs inaugurated the Grand Opening of 6 Companies at the Wiraraja Industrial Park in Bintang, Riau Islands. This event marks a significant moment for Indonesia's post-pandemic economic recovery efforts. According to the Minister, Indonesia has successfully become one of the most successful G20 member countries in terms of economic recovery, as Indonesia's economic growth in the first quarter of 2023 reached 6.9%, surpassing the average growth rate of other G20 countries, which stood at 5%. The Minister also expressed hopes for Riau Islands to experience economic revival by targeting better growth, particularly in the tourism sector. The number of tourist visits to Riau Islands is expected to increase from 800,000 people last year to 2.9 million people this year. In efforts to combat inflation, Indonesia has successfully lowered the inflation rate from 4.3% to 4% in April. In terms of trade, in April, Indonesia's trade surplus reached 3.94 billion US dollars.
Regarding investment, projects in Wiraraja Industrial Park have reached 800 million US dollars or around 12 trillion Indonesian rupiahs, creating job opportunities for 13,000 people. Many companies have also invested in this free trade industrial area. The Minister also announced the development of a Solar Power Plant (PLTS) in the area, which has been designated as a National Strategic Project (PSN). This is expected to bring about significant changes in the energy sector in Batam, especially after the establishment of the Special Economic Zone in Nongsa. It is also mentioned that Indonesia's exports from industrial regions have set a good example and instilled confidence that Indonesia's supply chain can be relied upon post-COVID-19. Many countries now see the potential of Indonesia as a reliable partner and this is a golden moment for Indonesia to seize an important role in the global supply chain. Indonesia has stood out in the G20 forum with competent and hardworking human resources. Additionally, Indonesia's energy sector is considered relatively low-cost and controlled, particularly in gas usage.
