Coordinating Minister AHY Affirms Batam's Key Position as Free Trade Zone and Economic Gateway

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has affirmed that Batam holds a key position as a free trade zone and Indonesia’s economic gateway.

AHY described Batam as a strategically important area serving as one of the engines of national economic growth, both regionally and globally.

The Coordinating Minister made the remarks whilst attending a Chinese New Year celebration organised by the Paguyuban Sosial Marga Tionghoa Indonesia (PSMTI) Batam Chapter.

The celebration was held at Swiss-Belhotel Harbour Bay Batam on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

“Batam was designed from the outset as a centre of national economic growth and Indonesia’s gateway to Southeast Asia. This role must continue to be strengthened through infrastructure development and improved connectivity,” said Coordinating Minister AHY.

He stressed that government infrastructure development must have a direct impact on economic growth and public welfare. He added that strong economic growth must be accompanied by equitable distribution so that its benefits can be felt by all levels of society.

AHY also expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Chinese-Indonesian community, including through PSMTI, in driving economic activity and creating employment opportunities in various regions, including Batam.

Furthermore, he noted that Batam’s development is inseparable from the role of national figures.