In the midst of panic and sluggishness due to the covid-19 pandemic, there is good news from Batam, especially that this area is showing a sharp increase in the economy. The efforts of the Batam Concession Agency (BP Batam) to encourage increased investment have succeeded in boosting the economy of the industrial area. It is noted that during 2021, Batam's economy experienced the highest growth in the Riau Islands Province (Kepri), with a value of 4.75 percent. This figure is even higher than the national economic growth which was at 3.69 percent and Riau Islands at 3.43 percent. Because of this condition, Batam is confident in targeting economic growth to reach 6 to 7 percent by 2022. Optimism is even higher after the Covid-19 pandemic continues to decline and the entrance of foreign tourists from Singapore to Batam has begun to open.

The head of BP Batam who is also the Mayor of Batam, Muhammad Rudi, said that optimism was even greater after several MoUs, such as the Hang Nadim Airport PPP that were achieved earlier, could be realized starting this year. The presence of foreign ambassadors to Batam to see investment opportunities in the area is also a positive indication. "We started from economic growth in 2021, even though at that time the Covid-19 pandemic was increasing. Now it is starting to be controlled and it is hoped that it can increase the desire of investors to enter. This can also be seen from recent visits by ambassadors," said Muhammad Rudi. Tuesday (30/3/2022). The attractiveness of Batam as an investment area is evidenced by the increasing interest of foreign countries to explore investment since 2021. Even though at that time the Covid-19 pandemic was at its worst.

In the middle of March 2022, the Deputy Head of BP Batam, Purwiyanto, received a visit from the Danish Ambassador regarding the plan to develop Batam New Port, Tanjung Pinggir, Sekupang. That Batam has a high investment value was shown by the Danish Ambassador to Indonesia, Lars Bo Larsen. He said Batam's strategic location increased the optimism of the maritime industry sector. "The Indonesian market, especially Batam, in the port sector is very large. Likewise with the potential for transshipment if it is maximized properly," said Larsen.

Source: https://m.liputan6.com/amp/4925286/batam-torehkan-peningkatan-ekonomi-signifikan-sepanjang-2021