The wave of expansion in several national strategic Special Economic Zones (SEZs) proves that investor optimism regarding Indonesia's business climate remains resilient amid global economic turmoil. Kendal, Gresik, and Galang Batang SEZs are currently processing territorial expansions to accommodate high demand from business players.
Chairman of the Industrial Estate Association (HKI), Akhmad Maruf Maulana, assessed that this surge in investment reflects sustained investor confidence. In addition to these three zones, there is a queue of new development proposals, such as Wiraraja Madura SEZ, Bekasi Digital SEZ, and Sidoarjo Halal Industry SEZ, which are currently under government evaluation.
Despite showing a positive trend, entrepreneurs warn that this growth momentum risks stalling if administrative hurdles are not promptly addressed. Timelines are a key variable for investors making strategic decisions. Therefore, simplifying bureaucracy and accelerating permits are considered crucial so that investment effectiveness can be immediately felt through industrial downstreaming and job creation.
Furthermore, HKI supports plans to establish the National Industrial Estate Council (DKIN) to facilitate cross-sectoral coordination. However, the organization emphasized the need for stronger executive authority for DKIN, so the body does not merely serve as a discussion forum, but can serve as a swift solution to obstacles often faced on the ground.
The government itself has confirmed that utilization rates in several SEZs, such as Kendal SEZ, have reached full capacity. With expansion requests reaching thousands of hectares across several other SEZs, accelerating regional infrastructure development is expected to boost Indonesia's competitiveness while promoting economic equity across various regions.
