There is a growing interest in investment from foreign companies in the Sabang Free Trade Zone and Free Port. During a meeting with the management of the Sabang Free Trade Zone Authority (BPKS), representatives from foreign companies in South Korea, Singapore, the Maldives, and Indonesia expressed their interest in investing in the port, fisheries, and tourism sectors. Demonstrating their commitment, these potential investors also held further meetings with the Sabang Branch of Bank Syariah Indonesia to discuss sharia-based financial transaction mechanisms to support the smooth implementation of their investments.

PT Astama Karya Adiluhung, represented by Kim Hyunchul from South Korea, was one of the attendees, outlining investment plans in the fisheries sector, particularly tuna fishing. Furthermore, the need for preliminary trials to ensure the readiness of infrastructure in the Sabang area was noted, with a fleet of large vessels exceeding 35 GT. Its potential to become a hub for fishing and fish exports is considered to be highly promising. The company will commence field trials. Meanwhile, representatives from PT Pelabuhan Indoprof Setia, Ahmad Ismail and Abdul, outlined plans to build a shipyard in Sabang, as its location is strategically positioned to replace Batam and Singapore, which are becoming increasingly busy. Sabang is well-positioned to address the needs of ships from India, Sri Lanka, and South Asia by providing convenient and efficient docking facilities. Furthermore, investors are interested in developing ship-to-ship transfer services, particularly for oil tanker ships from India, as a new alternative on international shipping routes. Investors also highlighted the potential for a palm oil-based industrial hub, with a focus on derivative products such as fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) for biodiesel. The high demand for FAME from South Asia creates significant opportunities for Sabang to establish itself as a new hub for the processing and distribution of this alternative fuel.

Source: https://www.rri.co.id/investasi/1724194/investor-asing-lirik-sabang-bidang-perkapalan-dan-perikanan