Coordinating Ministry for the Economy: 25 SEZs to Accelerate National Economic Growth
The existence of SEZs is not concentrated solely on Java Island but is widely distributed across various regions, with a composition of seven SEZs on Java and the other 18 SEZs spread outside Java.
Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Ministry for the Economy has emphasised that the distribution of 25 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across Indonesia to date is designed to accelerate national economic growth based on leading sectors while promoting balanced development between regions.
Acting Secretary General of the National SEZ Council of the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy RI, Rizal Edwin Manansang, stated that the distribution of SEZs from west to east Indonesia serves as a strategic instrument of the government in reducing economic disparities while strengthening national competitiveness in various priority sectors.
“The existence of SEZs is not only concentrated on Java Island but is widely distributed across various regions, with a composition of seven SEZs on Java and the other 18 SEZs spread outside Java, including Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, up to Maluku and Papua,” he said during the 2026 Musrenbang event for the preparation of the 2027 Provincial RKPD in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, on Tuesday.
Rizal emphasised that this distribution aims to ensure that every region has a new economic growth centre based on local leading potentials, thereby capable of attracting investment, creating jobs, and sustainably increasing local economic value added.
In terms of sectors, SEZs in Indonesia are classified into various main focuses, namely 13 industrial SEZs, six tourism SEZs, two health SEZs, two technology and education SEZs, one digital SEZ, and one other services SEZ, reflecting the diversification of the national development strategy.
In the Sumatra region, several SEZs that have developed include Arun Lhokseumawe, Sei Mangkei, Batam Aero Technic, Batam International Tourism and Health, Nongsa, Tanjung Sauh, Galang Batang, and Tanjung Kelayang, each promoting strengths in industry, logistics, to tourism.
Meanwhile, on Java Island, SEZs such as Tanjung Lesung, Lido, Kendal, Batang, Gresik, Singhasari, and the Banten International Education, Technology and Health SEZ serve as centres for developing manufacturing industry, tourism, as well as technology- and education-based innovation.
For the Bali and Nusa Tenggara areas, the government is developing the Kura Kura Bali SEZ, Sanur, and Mandalika, focused on quality tourism and health sectors, while in Kalimantan there are the Setangga SEZ and Maloy Batuta Trans Kalimantan SEZ, oriented towards strengthening resource-based industries.
In the eastern region of Indonesia, SEZs in Palu, Bitung, Likupang, Morotai, and Sorong are expected to become new growth engines capable of driving economic connectivity, industrial development, and enhancement of the tourism sector, thereby strengthening the national economy in an inclusive and globally competitive manner.