Batam, November 21 — The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Batam hosted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on November 20, 2024, at Hotel Santika, Batam Center. Themed “Driving Batam’s Economic Growth Beyond Indonesia’s National Target of 8%,” the event gathered key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and academics. Discussions focused on harmonizing regulations, fostering investment, and leveraging Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and National Strategic Projects (PSNs) to propel Batam’s economic growth to 10-12%.
Batam, a Free Trade and Port Zone (KPBPB) located on major international shipping routes, is positioned as a key driver of Indonesia’s economic growth. Kadin Batam aims to elevate Batam’s economic growth beyond the national target of 8%, set by President Prabowo Subianto. The city’s strategic initiatives include leveraging three SEZs and three PSNs to boost investment, infrastructure development, and industrial transformation.
Batam’s economy grew by 7.04% in 2023. Kadin Batam Chairman Jadi Rajagukguk expressed confidence that Batam could exceed the national target of 8%, aiming for 10-12% growth with coordinated efforts between government and business stakeholders.
Batam hosts three SEZs—Nongsa Digital Park, Batam Aero Technic (Hang Nadim Airport), and Sekupang Medical Tourism—and three PSNs. These include Rempang Eco City, Tanjung Sauh Industrial Park, and Wiraraja Industrial Park, focusing on renewable energy and smart industrial ecosystems.
Harmonizing local, regional, and national regulations is key to removing institutional bottlenecks. President Prabowo has directed a review of policies to ensure alignment with Batam’s development goals.
Projects like solar power plants (PLTS) and enhanced port infrastructure are expected to attract significant investments and support Batam’s transformation into a data center hub and a top economic region.
Read More: Batam’s SEZ Expansion to Counter New Johor-Singapore Economic Zone
The FGD highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and businesses. BP Batam’s acting head, Purwiyanto, emphasized the need for strategic planning and execution to achieve growth targets.
Batam’s ambitious plans reflect its strategic importance in Indonesia’s economic framework. For Singaporeans and international visitors, these developments signal enhanced connectivity, business opportunities, and a thriving regional economy.
Kadin Batam hosted discussions aimed at surpassing Indonesia’s 8% economic growth target, with ambitions of achieving 10-12%. By leveraging SEZs, PSNs, and regulatory harmonization, Batam positions itself as a regional economic powerhouse, attracting global investments and fostering innovation.
Sources: Go Kepri, Batam Pos (2024)
Keywords: Batam Growth, Economic Zones, Growth Target
