In an effort to boost investment in Indonesia's Special Economic Zones (SEZs), the National Council for SEZs, in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in Berlin, hosted a business dinner with German entrepreneurs on May 6, 2024. This event, attended by high-ranking government officials and business leaders from Germany, aimed to expand networks, promote business opportunities, and exchange information about the potential of SEZs in Indonesia. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Chairman of the National SEZ Council, Airlangga Hartarto, emphasized the government’s proactive approach to attracting investment. He highlighted Indonesia's leading position in terms of profitability for Japanese companies, based on a report from Jaika. Hartarto noted that Indonesia has made significant strides in its economic development over the past decade, demonstrating resilience and adaptability amidst global economic challenges. SEZs have expanded their focus beyond manufacturing and tourism to include healthcare, education, digital economy, and more, reflecting Indonesia's ambition to achieve a diversified and robust economy as outlined in Vision 2045. Acting Secretary General of the National SEZ Council, Rizal Edwin Manansang, underscored the critical role of SEZs as catalysts for economic development and investment attraction. SEZs offer a conducive environment for business operations, combining tax incentives, ease of doing business, developed infrastructure, and simplified regulations to attract both domestic and foreign investors.
Additionally, SEZs aim to provide a multiplier effect for local communities by accelerating economic activities, creating significant employment opportunities, and enhancing skill development. During the business dinner, SEZ business operators shared their experiences. Dr. Thomas R. Hoffmann, Regional Business Director of Emery Oleochemicals GmbH, praised the Sei Mangkei SEZ in North Sumatra for its strategic advantages, including competitive raw material prices, tax exemptions, and excellent management support. The business dinner also marked the opening of the first JEIC, a forum focused on economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Indonesia and Germany, covering key sectors such as industry, trade and investment, energy, and human resource development. The forum is seen as a breakthrough in strengthening economic ties and disseminating information about Indonesia's SEZs. The event was attended by prominent figures from the government and business sectors of both countries.
