The Gresik Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has received an award as the best industrial SEZ from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs. This recognition fosters optimism for the future of SEZs, particularly the Java Integrated Industrial and Port Estate (JIIPE) managed by PT Berkah Kawasan Manyar Sejahtera. JIIPE was designated as an industrial SEZ under Government Regulation No. 71 of 2021 and will begin full operations on 8 November 2024. Bambang Soetino, the CEO of PT Berkah Kawasan Manyar Sejahtera, attributed this success to the government's continued support, helping JIIPE evolve from a National Strategic Project into a SEZ. He emphasized that JIIPE’s design integrates industrial areas with ports, residential zones, and complete facilities, making it an attractive investment destination.
Bambang added that JIIPE is expected to achieve the government’s investment target of USD 6.7 billion (IDR 110 trillion) over the next five years. By the end of June, JIIPE had already secured IDR 81 trillion in investments. He also called for additional government support, particularly in infrastructure development, such as the roads connecting JIIPE to the Krian-Legundi-Bunder-Manyar (KLBM) toll road. JIIPE, covering 2,961 hectares, is the first integrated industrial zone in East Java with direct port access. It is positioned as a key driver of Indonesia’s economy, especially if it achieves SEZ status for Technology and Manufacturing, which would further attract investors.
