SEZs Investment Reaches Rp382,1 Trillion, Pursues Economic Growth up to 8%

Jakarta: Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto reported that cumulative investment in Indonesia’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) had reached Rp382.1 trillion. The investment has also created jobs for 302,000 workers since the zones began to be developed.

Airlangga said SEZs are one of the government’s strategic instruments to pursued national economic growth up to 8 percent.

“Special Economic Zones are a strategic instrument to support economic growth of up to 8 percent,” Airlangga said during his presentation in Jakarta on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

During the January to September 2026 period, investment realization in SEZs reached Rp46 trillion. The investment also generated employment for an additional 53,000 people.

Overall, Airlangga said total national investment during the government’s first two years had reached Rp3.932 trillion, creating jobs for 5.4 million people.

Indonesia Has 25 Special Economic Zones

Airlangga said Indonesia currently has 25 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) spread across various regions, with seven located on Java Island and the remaining 18 outside Java.

Based on their development sectors, the SEZs comprise 13 industrial zones, six tourism zones, two healthcare zones, two technology zones, one digital zone, and one zone designated for other business activities.

The government is also promoting the development of healthcare SEZs in Sanur, Bali, and Batam. The initiative aims to reduce potential foreign exchange outflows caused by Indonesians seeking medical treatment abroad.

Airlangga also explained that around two million Indonesians seek medical treatment abroad, including in Singapore and Penang, Malaysia. The expenses incurred for these treatments are estimated to reach Rp200 trillion.

To improve the competitiveness of domestic healthcare services, the government provides several incentives in healthcare Special Economic Zones (SEZs). One of these is the relaxation of licensing requirements for Indonesian and foreign healthcare professionals to practice in these zones.

Moreover, the government is promoting regulatory support for diagnostic services and stem cell research activities.

In the tourism sector, the government is targeting 16 million to 17.6 million international tourist arrivals in 2026. The target is accompanied by a tourism foreign exchange revenue target of USD24 billion.

Several tourism Special Economic Zones (SEZs) receiving government attention include Mandalika, Kura-Kura Bali, Tanjung Lesung, and other tourism areas.

Airlangga said tourism zone development needs to be supported by improved connectivity, stronger human resource capacity, and the preparation of a calendar of events to attract more tourists.

Push for SEZ Development

Airlangga compared the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Indonesia with those in Vietnam and Malaysia. According to him, the two countries have developed SEZs covering a combined area of around 1.8 million to 2 million hectares, while Indonesia’s SEZs reportedly cover only around 24,000 hectares.

“If we compare Indonesia with several countries that are promoting economic development through Special Economic Zones, such as Vietnam and Malaysia, they already have SEZs covering 1.8 million to 2 million hectares,” Airlangga said.

He noted that Indonesia’s vast territory presents an opportunity to further expand SEZ development. The expansion is expected to attract more investment and broaden economic activities across various regions.

In the industrial sector, Airlangga also highlighted the development of several SEZs that still need to be optimized. The government is pushing to accelerate the licensing process and expand these zones, including Galang Batang, Kendal, and Gresik SEZs.

According to him, these measures are necessary to support business expansion and increase investment realization in the zones. “Therefore, accelerating the licensing process and expanding these three SEZs is certainly necessary,” he stressed.

In the digital and technology sectors, the government is promoting the development of Nongsa SEZ in Batam, particularly through the construction of data centers. The availability of undersea telecommunications cable infrastructure is also a key factor supporting the development of digital activities in the zone.

Airlangga also highlighted the potential of the creative industry, including film and animation production in Nongsa, which he said could create investment and employment opportunities. He expressed hope that SEZ development could be further strengthened by resolving investment barriers, improving workforce quality, and enhancing coordination among ministries and government agencies.

According to Airlangga, increasing investment productivity is one of the factors that needs to be considered to achieve the national economic growth target of 8 percent.

(Yaumil Tianri Rahmi)