On 27 August 2025, on Kompas TV's Bincang Kita programme, Galang Batang Special Economic Zone Manager George Santos stated that all industrial activities in the Galang Batang Special Economic Zone (KEK) play a strategic role in economic growth in Bintan Regency and Riau Islands Province. Since its inauguration on 8 December 2018, the KEK Galang Batang has made a tangible contribution to the region. According to George Santos, industrial activities in the KEK Galang Batang continue to experience significant growth, with a particular focus on the downstream industry of converting bauxite into alumina. Over the next three years, investment is expected to reach IDR 50 trillion, creating employment opportunities for 20,000 individuals, including both local and external workforce from Bintan. In addition, the KEK Galang Batang is developing a polytechnic that will offer educational and training programmes, as well as short courses in the industrial sector for high school graduates and other professionals. Key projects include increasing alumina production to 4 million tons and constructing a port with a capacity of 75,000 tons, as well as a solar panel factory and a 900-megawatt coal-fired power plant to support operations in the area. 

As part of its commitment to the community, KEK Galang Batang provides and distributes Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) to hundreds of elementary school students in Bintan, as well as CSR to build a hospital providing 100 beds for the local community. In light of these developments, the KEK Galang Batang plays a pivotal role in the advancement of the bauxite downstream industry in Indonesia, contributing to the economic growth of the region and the creation of numerous employment opportunities. George Santos has also stated that there are a number of factors which support the success of investment in the KEK Galang Batang. The key to investment success lies in the security of the investment zone and the ease of obtaining government permits. This enhances investor confidence and ensures the sustainability of long-term investments.
 
Source: https://m.tribunnews.com/amp/regional/2025/09/03/kawasan-ekonomi-khusus-galang-batang-jadikan-bintan-pusat-pertumbuhan-ekonomi-baru