Indonesia remains committed to achieving its ambitious economic growth target of 8%, emphasizing increased investment realization through Special Economic Zones (SEZ). Under President Prabowo Subianto's directive, SEZ policies have been optimized as catalysts for attracting global investment. This commitment was highlighted during the Indonesia SEZ Business Forum 2024 themed "Diversifying SEZ Business Opportunity," held on December 9, 2024. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, emphasized SEZs as a pivotal strategy for boosting Indonesia's global competitiveness, offering incentives to attract investors and stimulate economic activities. To date, 24 SEZs have cumulatively attracted IDR 242.5 trillion in investments, creating 151,260 jobs across 394 businesses.
The forum gathered key stakeholders, including diplomatic representatives, business leaders, and global consultants, to promote Indonesia’s SEZ potential. Panel discussions explored sustainable SEZ policies during Indonesia’s government transition, highlighting their transformative role in economic growth. M. Dian Revindo of LPEM UI stressed that SEZ policies, offering fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, are instrumental in attracting diverse investments across industrial and service clusters. Complementing the discussions, four SEZs presented investment opportunities through business pitching sessions, while a mini-expo showcased innovations. Acting Secretary General of the SEZ National Council, Rizal Edwin Manansang, underscored SEZs' role in enhancing macroeconomic performance by driving economic growth, attracting investment, and boosting exports and imports. The government anticipates this forum will strengthen public-private collaboration, bolster investor confidence, and position Indonesia as a competitive global investment destination.
