Over the past five years, Indonesia has successfully drawn USD 18.63 billion in investments into its Special Economic Zones (SEZs), according to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs. In the first half of 2025 alone, the country recorded USD 2.56 billion in investment—nearly half of the annual target—creating 28,094 new jobs and welcoming 65 new businesses into the SEZs.
Indonesia currently operates 25 SEZs, with a distribution of 18 zones outside Java. Thirteen of these focus on industrial activities, while twelve are service-oriented. Most investment has gone into manufacturing and processing, while sectors like education, healthcare, and digital economies have seen modest yet promising growth. SEZs have also boosted exports, contributing IDR 82 trillion (about USD 5.19 billion) from 2021 to mid-2025, particularly from zones like Galang Batang (alumina), Kendal (battery anodes), and Gresik (copper). Yet, authorities acknowledge that Indonesia's SEZs remain relatively modest compared to peers in the ASEAN region, such as Malaysia and Vietnam, and suggest that additional incentives could help diversify sectors and draw greater investor interest
