Complaint to Purbaya: Galang Batang SEZ Project Stalled Due to Permits

The management of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Galang Batang, PT GBKEK Industri Park, has filed a complaint with the Task Force for Accelerating Government Strategic Programmes (Satgas P2SP). The complaint concerns the lack of follow-up on recommendations from the Ministry of Finance’s integrated team, which has caused delays in investments for the development of the Galang Batang SEZ. In response to the complaint, Satgas P2SP held a hearing for the Galang Batang SEZ on Thursday (9/4/2026). In the hearing chaired by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, representatives from PT GBKEK Industri Park explained that without the issuance of regulations, they cannot start the project. “The main problem is that there is no decision yet; we hope it can be issued so we can start building the port, which is expected to be on land that still has forest status and cannot yet be proposed for expansion designation,” said Director of PT GBKEK Industri Park, Santony, during the hearing quoted on Thursday (9/4/2026). Santony stated that this condition is hampering other permitting processes, including the construction of the port, which also depends on resolution. As a result, the company revealed that one of the initial investors in the project has withdrawn. “Because it’s taking too long, sir, and the other permits are delayed; the AMDAL also cannot be carried out yet. This is part of a cycle that we must go through to continue the development there,” he said. In its presentation, the company explained that the economic impact of GBKEK Industri Park could absorb 23,200 workers with an initial investment value of Rp36.25 trillion by 2027. After a lengthy hearing, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa asked the company to follow up on the issue by rechecking the application letters sent to the relevant Ministries and Agencies. He also emphasised that within the next two weeks, the government will monitor and ensure whether the process is running smoothly. “Clearly, two weeks from now we will monitor again; we will check with the Ministry of Forestry whether it has been issued or not,” Purbaya said to close the hearing.