President urges BP Batam to accelerate infrastructure, trade, and welfare development
President Prabowo Subianto has declared his intention to transform Batam into “Indonesia’s Singapore,” urging BP Batam officials to ramp up development efforts in infrastructure, logistics, and public welfare.
The statement was delivered during a meeting with BP Batam leaders following their inauguration in Jakarta on March 13, 2025. The directive places Batam at the center of national development as a Free Trade and Port Zone.
Batam as an Economic Powerhouse
During a coordination meeting on April 9, 2025, Deputy Head of BP Batam, Ruslan Aspan, echoed President Prabowo’s directive. He called on his team to enhance inter-department collaboration and solve operational challenges in airport, seaport, and logistics management.
“We were directly instructed by the President to advance Batam into Indonesia’s version of Singapore. It’s a major challenge, especially under today’s global conditions,” Ruslan said at BP Batam’s Marketing Center.
Ruslan praised the dedication of BP Batam staff during the recent Eid holidays and emphasized the importance of quickly reporting field issues for immediate resolution. He also reminded employees to uphold service excellence for both travelers and business operators.
From Vision to Execution
President Prabowo’s blueprint includes not just economic and infrastructure goals but also prioritizes improving residents’ welfare. He emphasized that licensing processes, infrastructure development, and community-focused programs must be fast-tracked.
“BP Batam leaders must coordinate closely with the central government to align local actions with national policy,” Prabowo said during the meeting. “This is essential to attract investors and ensure Batam’s growth aligns with national interests.”
Ease for Law-Abiding Investors
Li Claudia Chandra, Vice Chair of BP Batam, also reinforced the call for rule-based development. She encouraged businesses with land allocations to quickly complete required permits, while assuring them that BP Batam is ready to assist in resolving administrative bottlenecks.
Batam’s transformation into an Indonesian economic hub akin to Singapore hinges on decisive leadership, efficient bureaucratic coordination, and investor confidence. As the region eyes global competitiveness, collaboration between national and local bodies remains vital to unlocking its full potential.
Sources: Gokepri (2025), Melayupedia (2025)
Keywords: Batam Growth, Prabowo Batam Plan, Batam Investment, Indonesia Singapore Vision
