Coordinating Minister AHY Sets Special Priorities for Batam Development: Industry and Downstream Processing Are Key

TRIBUNEWS.COM, BATAM – Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), has set out special priorities for the development of Batam in 2026.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Chinese New Year 2577 peak celebrations in the Nagoya district of Batam on Monday (16/2/2026), AHY affirmed that infrastructure development in Batam must have a direct impact on economic strengthening through industrial downstream processing.

According to him, Batam’s status as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) gives it a strategic position specifically designed to generate major economic opportunities for Indonesia.

“Industry must continue to be strengthened. Downstream processing is a vital component — it is impossible for us to merely export raw natural resources; we must have added value,” said AHY.

Beyond physical construction, AHY emphasised that government-built infrastructure must be capable of supporting industries that employ the latest technology. However, he offered a critical caveat: technological progress must go hand in hand with the absorption of local labour.

“What is most important is that as industry advances and the latest technology is employed, it must also absorb our workforce,” he stressed.

He highlighted the large number of young, productive-age residents in Batam who require special attention in terms of skills readiness and training.

During his first visit to celebrate Chinese New Year in Batam, AHY also expressed appreciation for the performance of both local and central government, which over the past year has succeeded in improving economic parameters and the quality of human resources.

“I appreciate the government, which in just one year has managed to improve a number of key economic indicators, including developing human resources through the Human Development Index (HDI),” he added.

AHY pledged to continue driving integrated infrastructure development to ensure the business environment in Batam continues to grow.

“I will push for infrastructure to support all of this. We hope Batam will continue to advance, create job opportunities, and that its people will become increasingly prosperous,” said AHY.