Batang's Industropolis SEZ Prepares Rail-Based Inland Port
The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Industropolis Batang in Central Java has officially begun strategic steps to strengthen the backbone of national logistics. Through collaboration with several state-owned enterprises and strategic partners, the zone will construct an inland port or dry port based on railway lines.
This major initiative was formalised through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) involving PT Kereta Api Indonesia, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia, PT Sarana Pembangunan Jawa Tengah, and Perumda Aneka Usaha Kabupaten Batang. The signing ceremony took place in the Ballroom of the Zone Management Building on Tuesday (21/4/2026).
This cooperation marks a new era for SEZ Industropolis Batang. The zone is no longer focused solely on the manufacturing sector but is transforming into an integrated distribution and logistics hub. The rail-based dry port is specifically designed to address classic logistics issues in Indonesia: high distribution costs and long goods transit times.
The President Director of PT Pelabuhan Indonesia, Achmad Muchtasyar, explained that the dry port will bring port services directly to the heart of industry. “Logistics processes can be carried out closer to the production source. This will accelerate the flow of goods while enhancing connectivity with the global port network,” Achmad stated.
With this concept, goods from industrial tenants can be directly transported by train to ports without being hindered by road congestion or highways.
The Regent of Batang, M. Faiz Kurniawan, is optimistic that this modern logistics infrastructure will become a magnet for foreign investors. According to him, the presence of the dry port is not only about shipping efficiency but also about creating new economic opportunities and absorbing local labour.
In agreement, the President Director of SEZ Industropolis Batang, Ngurah Wirawan, emphasised that an efficient ecosystem is the key to winning global investment competition. “Investors today are looking for zones that can guarantee smooth distribution. Logistics integration is the answer,” Ngurah said.
The project is projected to turn SEZ Industropolis Batang into an integrated industrial and logistics hub that connects production, land distribution, and port access in a sustainable system.
Fully supported by the central government through the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy and cross-state-owned enterprise collaboration, this dry port project is expected to address global supply chain efficiency challenges while positioning Batang as a crucial point on the national industrial map in the future.