President Prabowo Pushes for Development of SEZs to Attract Investment

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono deliver press statement after a limited cabinet meeting on investment acceleration at Special Economic Zones and progress of National Strategic Projects, at the Merdeka Palace Jakarta, on Tuesday (11/26) (Photo: Bureau of Press and Media of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto led a limited cabinet meeting on investment acceleration at Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and progress of National Strategic Projects (NSPs), at the Merdeka Palace Jakarta, on Tuesday (26/11). The meeting affirmed the President’s commitment to accelerate development and draw more investment to improve Indonesia’s economic competitiveness. SEZs and NSPs are expected to be a main driving force for an inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

During a press statement after the limited meeting, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said that President Prabowo had ordered his cabinet to optimize the SEZs that have contributed notably to national economy. The Coordinating Minister further explained that during the third quarter of 2024, the SEZs had attracted investment worth Rp242.5 trillion with total labor absorption reaching 151,260 workers at 394 companies.

“Regarding the SEZs, the President has ordered to boost, continue, and process the coming investment, particularly foreign investment from countries he recently visited,” Airlangga remarked.

Regarding the progress of national strategic projects, Airlangga explained that a total of 18 projects is set to complete in 2024 while other 30 projects are expected to complete in 2025.

“Of course, the President has ordered to continue these programs and later if there are more investment flows, it will be discussed in detail,” Airlangga said.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono emphasized the importance of cross-ministerial collaboration to monitor 228 NSPs and 24 SEZs. He also expressed appreciation for the synergy between his ministry and the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs to ensure sustainability and success of the priority programs.

“Indeed, we will continue what has been going well with the programs and ensure that the results will also have an immediate impact on the society and the economy. I hope that the two coordinating ministries can collaborate well so they can develop more successful projects, programs, and areas in the future,” Agus remarked. (Bureau of Press and Media of Presidential Secretariat/ABD) (GA/MB)