President Jokowi Inaugurates Batang Integrated Industrial Estate

President Jokowi inaugurates the Operation of the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate (KITB) in Batang regency, Central Java province, Friday (07/26) (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Friday (07/26) arrived at Jenderal Ahmad Yani international airport in Semarang, Central Java at around 14.40 Western Indonesia Time.

Upon arrival, President Jokowi and his entourage were slated to visit Batang regency to inaugurate the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate (KITB).

At the inauguration, the President reminded all the participants that Indonesia has faced various global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions due to the US-China trade war.

“However, in every challenge lives a greater opportunity to seize if we work hard,” he added.

According to the President, relocation of factories and industry to countries with good economic growth, low inflation rates, and sound economic and political stabilities is also one of the opportunities.

“And I noticed that is how investors recognize us, Indonesia. But, if we do not make it a priority to seize the opportunities, they will be missed,” he added.

Thus, amid global challenges, the Government has decided to build the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate, which has a total area target of 4,300 hectares and can absorb 250,000 workers.

“It is our goal. We have to create high job opportunities for our people. Today, the investment value has reached Rp14 trillion, and it has absorbed approximately 19,000 workers. It’s just the beginning,” President Jokowi said.

According to the President, a number of factories have been operational in the KITB, including global plastic pipes manufacturer Wavin and construction materials manufacturer KCC Glass Corporation. Other factories will also be operational in the near future.

“It is our hope that the anode industry will be built in August this year and the cathode industry will also be built in September.  So, this will be an efficient, interesting industrial estate for investors that will create high job opportunities for our people,” he remarked. (FID/ABD) (AP/LW)