Airlangga Seeks to Make BP Batam a Centre for Economic Growth
The Batam Free Trade Zone and Free Port Authority (BP Batam) has been directed by the government to accelerate the development of Batam as a competitive economic growth centre, in response to global dynamics and increasing competition in regional development.
BP Batam will adjust its internal focus and performance targets to strengthen the effectiveness of programme implementation and accelerate development of Batam as a competitive economic growth centre.
To support these adjustment efforts, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, in his capacity as Chair of the Batam Free Trade Zone and Free Port Authority Board, inaugurated members and deputies of BP Batam on Friday, 13 March. The newly appointed members and deputies include Syarlin Joyo as Deputy for Zone Management, Fary Djemy Francis as Deputy for Investment, and Denny Tondano as Deputy for Operations.
“Efficient, swift, transparent, and accountable operational governance is required,” Airlangga explained. “In this way, business actors will feel comfortable and have certainty in conducting business in Batam.”
Airlangga further emphasised President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to position Batam as a region competitive with other zones globally. This can be demonstrated through above-average regional or provincial economic growth, increased investment, new job creation, and improved international-standard infrastructure.
The government has demonstrated strong commitment to zone development through strengthened regulatory frameworks, including amendments to four government regulations and various supporting regulations.
The government has also requested relevant ministries and agencies to provide support and facilitation to BP Batam so that business licensing processes can be conducted in a more integrated and efficient manner, with required permits facilitated through BP Batam.
Going forward, Airlangga has urged BP Batam to capitalise on available opportunities, including following up on various investment commitments that have been agreed, such as semiconductor industry development. This approach aims not only to increase investment realisation in Batam but also to contribute strategically to Indonesia’s future economic transformation towards an information and technology-based model, with the semiconductor industry as a key pillar.
“With collaborative spirit not only internally but also with all stakeholders in Batam, I am confident that Batam will become a centre for industrial and tourism development and an investment destination,” he concluded.