BKPM Confident Samota SEZ in NTB Will Become a New Investment Magnet

The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM believes the proposed Samota Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), can become a new investment magnet in Eastern Indonesia, particularly for the tourism and blue economy sectors. Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Todotua Pasaribu stated that the development of the Samota SEZ must be supported by a ready investment ecosystem, including land certainty, infrastructure, and the presence of investors prepared to realise their investments. He explained that the proposal is not just about creating a new tourist destination, but also about building an investment area capable of generating economic added value, attracting long-term investment, and creating quality jobs for the community. Todotua emphasised that the area must serve as an instrument to optimise regional advantages while supporting national investment policies focused on productive sectors such as tourism, the blue economy, the green economy, creative industries, and agro-maritime, as well as strengthening connectivity and logistics. He noted that investment is a primary driver of national economic growth, with the government targeting approximately Rp13,032.8 trillion in investment realisation for the 2025–2029 period to support an 8% economic growth target by 2029. West Nusa Tenggara is seen as increasingly strategic, with cumulative investment realisation in the province reaching around Rp216.7 trillion up to the first half of 2026. The development of the Samota area is also supported by a provincial regulation on spatial planning for 2024–2044. Sumbawa Regency’s position along the Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lane (ALKI) II makes it a strategic node for logistics and regional distribution, connecting western and eastern Indonesia. Todotua stressed that granting SEZ status is not the final goal; the area must be economically and financially viable, with clear land status, adequate infrastructure, and committed investors ready to realise their projects.