Indonesia’s Special Economic Zones Attract Rp 242.5 Trillion

Development of Nongsa Digital Park as part of Indonesia's Special Economic Zones

 

Indonesia’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are driving economic growth, attracting record-breaking investments, and creating thousands of jobs.

The National Council for Special Economic Zones (KEK) has guided these areas to secure a staggering Rp 242.5 trillion in investments by the third quarter of 2024. These investments have generated employment for over 151,260 people across 394 businesses.

This achievement demonstrates how Indonesia’s strategic approach fosters business-friendly environments and propels national development.

 

What Are Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Why Are They Important?

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Indonesia are designated areas where businesses enjoy favorable regulations, tax incentives, and infrastructure support to spur economic growth.

Established under the guidance of the National Council for Special Economic Zones, these zones are designed to attract both domestic and international investors.

Since their inception, SEZs have become a cornerstone of Indonesia’s economic strategy, fostering industrial development and boosting regional competitiveness.

Moreover, they play a pivotal role in addressing unemployment by creating thousands of job opportunities.

With these advantages, SEZs have successfully drawn record-breaking investments, making them critical to Indonesia’s long-term growth plan.

Transitioning into the next phase, the government continues to enhance policies to further amplify their impact.

 

Breaking Records: Rp 242.5 Trillion in Investments

This record-breaking investment total,highlights the increasing trust of both local and international investors in Indonesia’s dynamic economic strategies.

Key sectors like manufacturing, tourism, and logistics are benefiting from these investments, which have spurred innovation and boosted job creation.

The National Council for Special Economic Zones has played a crucial role in achieving these results by facilitating partnerships and establishing favorable business conditions.

These strategic initiatives are transforming SEZs into significant contributors to national growth.

 

Leading the Way: Indonesia’s Top SEZs

Out of the 19 established Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Indonesia, eight have distinguished themselves by exceeding 75% of their investment objectives.

These include KEK Kendal, famous for its robust manufacturing sector, and KEK Mandalika, now a global tourism destination.

Likewise, KEK Sei Mangkei stands out in agro-industry, while KEK Nongsa is emerging as a center for digital technology and innovation.

These zones have drawn considerable investment due to their customized incentives, excellent infrastructure, and strategic locations.

The prosperity of these SEZs not only bolsters Indonesia’s economy but also establishes a standard for the future development of other zones nationwide.

 

Empowering Communities: Job Creation Across SEZs

Indonesia’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have not only attracted record investments but also delivered significant social impact by creating over 151,260 jobs across 394 businesses.

These employment opportunities span various sectors, including manufacturing, tourism, and technology, enabling local communities to thrive.

In regions like KEK Mandalika and KEK Sei Mangkei, residents have seen improved livelihoods as businesses collaborate with local suppliers and offer workforce training programs.

“We hope that by the end of 2024, all SEZs will be able to fulfill their commitments and accelerate the realization of investment plans and job absorption targets set earlier,” said Rizal Edwin Manansang, Acting Secretary General of the National Council for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), in an official statement on November 17, 2024, as reported by Investor.id

This statement underscores the government’s dedication to sustaining the momentum of SEZ development.

These efforts demonstrate how SEZs are transforming Indonesia’s economy while addressing unemployment and empowering communities nationwide.

 

The Future of SEZs: Growth, Innovation, and Collaboration

Looking ahead, Indonesia’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are set to maintain their momentum in driving economic growth.

Rizal Edwin Manansang expressed his optimism that all SEZs will achieve their investment and job creation targets by the end of 2024.

“We hope that by the remainder of 2024, all SEZs will be able to fulfill their commitments and accelerate the realization of investment plans and job absorption targets as expected,” Rizal said, as reported by Liputan6.com

To support this, the government is focusing on improving infrastructure, streamlining regulations, and attracting high-value industries like renewable energy and digital technology.

These efforts ensure SEZs remain competitive and sustainable while addressing unemployment and boosting local economies.

The success of SEZs thus far demonstrates their critical role in Indonesia’s economic transformation.

By continuing to enhance collaboration between public and private sectors, Indonesia is well-positioned to unlock the full potential of these zones and establish itself as a leading hub for global investment and trade.

 

 

Source: Liputan6.com, Investor.id 

Image: Antara Foto

Andrzej Barski

Director of Seven Stones Indonesia

Andrzej is Co-owner/ Founder and Director of Seven Stones Indonesia. He was born in the UK to Polish parents and has been living in Indonesia for more than 33-years. He is a skilled writer, trainer and marketer with a deep understanding of Indonesia and its many cultures after spending many years travelling across the archipelago from North Sumatra to Irian Jaya.

His experience covers Marketing, Branding, Advertising, Publishing, Real Estate and Training for 5-Star Hotels and Resorts in Bali and Jakarta, which has given him a passion for the customer experience. He’s a published author and a regular contributor to local and regional publications. His interests include conservation, eco-conscious initiatives, spirituality and motorcycles. Andrzej speaks English and Indonesian.

Terje H. Nilsen

Director of Seven Stones Indonesia

Terje is from Norway and has been living in Indonesia for over 20-years. He first came to Indonesia as a child and after earning his degree in Business Administration from the University of Agder in Norway, he moved to Indonesia in 1993, where he has worked in leading positions in education and the fitness/ wellness industries all over Indonesia including Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Medan and Bali.

He was Co-owner and CEO of the Paradise Property Group for 10-years and led the company to great success. He is now Co-owner/ Founder and Director of Seven Stones Indonesia offering market entry services for foreign investors, legal advice, sourcing of investments and in particular real estate investments. He has a soft spot for eco-friendly and socially sustainable projects and investments, while his personal business strengths are in property law, tourism trends, macroeconomics, Indonesian government and regulations. His personal interests are in sport, adventure, history and spiritual experiences.

Terje’s leadership, drive and knowledge are recognised across many industries and his unrivalled network of high level contacts in government and business spans the globe. He believes you do good and do well but always in that order. Terje speaks English, Indonesian and Norwegian.

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Ridwan Jasin Zachrie

CFO of Seven Stones Indonesia, Jakarta

Ridwan is one of Indonesia’s top executives with a long and illustrious career in the financial world. He holds several professional certifications including being a Certified Business Valuer (CBV) issued by the Australian Academy of Finance and Management; Broker-Dealer Representative (WPPE); and The Directorship Certification for Directors and Commissioners, issued by the Indonesian Institute of Commissioners and Directors.

His experience includes being the Managing Director at one of the top investment banking groups in the region, the Recapital Group, the CFO at State-owned enterprises in fishery industry and the CEO at Tanri Abeng & Son Holding. He’s also been an Independent Commissioner in several Financial Service companies and on the Audit and Risk Committee at Bank BTPN Tbk, Berau Coal Energy Tbk, Aetra Air Jakarta as well as working for Citibank, Bank Mandiri and HSBC. His last position was as CFO at PT Citra Putra Mandiri – OSO Group.

Ridwan has won a number of prestigious awards including the Best CFO Awards 2019 (Institute of Certified Management Accountant Australia-Indonesia); Asia Pacific Young Business Leader awarded by Asia 21 Network New York USA (Tokyo 2008); UK Alumni Business Awards 2008 awarded by the British Council; and The Most Inspiring Human Resources Practitioners’ version of Human Capital Magazine 2010.

He’s a member of the Board of Trustees of the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Law, Trisakti University, Co-Founder of the Paramadina Public Policy Institute and actively writes books, publications and articles in the mass media. He co-authored “Korupsi Mengorupsi Indonesia” in 2009, which helps those with an interest in understanding governance in Indonesia and the critical issue of corruption. Ridwan speaks Indonesian and English.

Per Fredrik Ecker

Managing Director of Seven Stones Indonesia, Jakarta

Per is the Managing Director of the Seven Stones Indonesia (SSI) Jakarta office and has more than 25-years’ experience in Indonesia, China, and Western Europe. He previously worked in senior management positions with Q-Free ASA, Siemens AG, and other companies in the telecom sector. Over the last six years, he has been the Chairman of the Indonesia-Norway Business Council (INBC) and recently become elected to be on the board of EuroCham Indonesia.

His most recent experience is within Intelligent Transport Solutions (ITS), Telecom, and other sectors within the Indonesian market. He is today through his position in SSI and by representing Norway Connect, promoting Nordic and European companies that would like to explore business opportunities in the Indonesian market. He’s also playing an active role to help create the Nordic House concept in Jakarta that will provide an excellent platform for Nordic companies entering Indonesia, where they’ll find a community that can offer support with trusted information and affordable services to enter this market.