The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs reports that the investment realization in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of Galang Batang, Riau Islands (Kepri), has reached IDR 17.9 trillion. The Acting Secretary-General of the National KEK Council, stated that KEK Galang Batang has shown significant progress, particularly in the export of processed bauxite throughout 2023. KEK Galang Batang has demonstrated substantial progress by successfully exporting processed bauxite in the form of Smelter Grade Alumina (SGA) during 2023, with a cumulative total export value of IDR 7.5 trillion. In the processing process, PT Bintan Alumina Indonesia (BAI), the business entity in KEK Galang Batang, has utilized the latest technology while taking into consideration ecological and environmental sustainability, thus maintaining a green and low-carbon development. Furthermore, KEK Galang Batang also has a dam facility that can meet the water needs of the local community.
There are several potential areas for development, including a 100-hectare Halal Industrial Zone, which has several advantages. These advantages are primarily related to the location of the area, which is situated within the triangle region comprising Batam, Singapore, and Malaysia, and has held the record as a Halal Industrial Zone since 2018. Additionally, there are also potential for the development of the healthcare, education, Data Center, and MRO industries. Apart from KEK Galang Batang, in a separate occasion, the Vice Chairman III of the National Special Economic Zone (KEK) Task Force stated that the government is committed to increasing investment in 20 other zones across Indonesia, with a particular focus on infrastructure improvement in KEKs. Projects for the construction of toll roads, elevated roads, and other facilities are being expedited to enhance supporting infrastructure availability. The National KEK Council is considering various factors in identifying potential KEKs, such as proximity to the nearest city, international connectivity, and relations with neighboring countries. KEKs located on Java Island are becoming more attractive to investors, including Tanjung Lesung in Banten, Singhasari in Malang, Gresik, Kendal, and Lido in Bogor.
