The National Council of Special Economic Zones (KEK) in Indonesia has set an investment target of IDR 78 trillion for 2024. By the end of the first half of 2024, investments in KEK have reached IDR 31.4 trillion, which is 40% of the annual target. This marks a 7% increase compared to the same period last year, as reported by Bambang Wijanarko, Acting Head of Investment, Cooperation, and Communication at the National Council of KEK, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Bambang also noted that in addition to increased investments, KEK has seen the creation of 15,229 jobs, which is 39% of the 2024 target. Furthermore, 36 new businesses have been established in the zones. In the first half of 2024, seven KEKs have achieved over 40% of their investment targets, including KEK Mandalika, KEK Sanur, KEK Kendal, KEK Lido, KEK Nongsa, KEK Singhasari, and KEK Gresik.
Similarly, several KEKs have significantly exceeded their job creation targets, namely KEK Gresik, KEK Sei Mangkei, KEK Nongsa, KEK Galang Batang, KEK BAT, and KEK Lido. These KEKs have also contributed positively to local economies by supporting SMEs, infrastructure growth, and other regional economic activities. A study by the University of Indonesia’s Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM UI) highlighted the positive impacts of KEK on local and national economies. Acting Secretary-General of the National Council of KEK, Rizal Edwin Manansang, mentioned that cumulative investments in KEKs since 2012 until the first half of 2024 have reached IDR 205.2 trillion, creating 132,227 jobs across 22 KEKs. Of this cumulative investment, IDR 28.2 trillion comes from enterprises without state budget (APBN) support, and IDR 176.9 trillion from business entities. A total of 368 businesses are operating within all KEKs. For the first half of 2024, investments totaled IDR 31.4 trillion, accounting for 40% of the annual target of IDR 78.1 trillion. The first half also saw the creation of 15,229 jobs, achieving 39% of the annual job target of 38,953 jobs.
