Data-Driven Environmental Management Key to Industrial Estate Competitiveness

Amid rising industrial investment and demands for sustainable practices, environmental management has become a crucial factor determining the competitiveness of industrial estates. Modern industrial zones can no longer rely solely on complete infrastructure and utilities but must also build data-driven environmental governance, supported by long-term monitoring and close collaboration between government, academia, business, and the community. This perspective emerged during a World Environment Day 2026 commemoration organised by PT Berkah Kawasan Manyar Sejahtera (BKMS), the manager of the Java Integrated Industrial and Ports Estate (JIIPE) and the Gresik Special Economic Zone (KEK). The event served as a synergy platform for the Gresik Regency Government, academics, estate tenants, and coastal communities. Gresik Vice Regent Asluchul Alif stressed that the commemoration must be a momentum for real action, not just ceremony. ‘Collaboration is needed between industry, coastal communities, and all stakeholders. We appreciate the synergy that has been built, including social security protection for fishermen and coastal area rehabilitation through mangrove planting,’ he said. Professor Eddy Setiadi Soedjono, an environmental expert from Universitas Airlangga, highlighted the importance of objectivity in assessing environmental conditions. He noted that the quality of waters and coastal ecosystems is influenced by many interacting factors and cannot be assessed from just one parameter or a single observation. ‘Long-term monitoring, periodic data, and multidisciplinary studies are needed before drawing conclusions about the environmental condition of an area,’ he explained. This data-driven approach serves as the foundation for ensuring that environmental management policies are measurable and sustainable. In line with this, the Head of the Gresik Regency Environmental Agency, Sri Subaidah, appreciated BKMS’s concrete actions, such as planting thousands of mangrove trees in the Kalimireng area to mitigate abrasion and adapt to climate change. As part of its commitment to the ecosystem and the welfare of surrounding communities, JIIPE carried out a series of rehabilitation activities during the commemoration, including the distribution of ecosystem aid in Kalimireng. The Head of the Gresik Regency Marine and Fisheries Agency, Arief Witjaksono, expressed hope that the release of fish seeds would mean fishermen no longer need to travel far out to sea, as the availability of catch around the area increases. Support also came from the Chairman of the Gresik Regency KTNA, Hamzah Takim, and community figure Isharul, who viewed the initiative as very positive for the sustainability of the fishermen’s catchment area. Beyond ecosystem rehabilitation, JIIPE continues to strengthen its environmental infrastructure in accordance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The estate currently operates a Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Waste Processing Site (TPS3R). PT BKMS Director Bambang Soetiono revealed that the company is preparing to develop this facility into an Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST), aiming to increase management capacity independently, integratively, and sustainably in line with the growth of operational activities. ‘Going forward, the competitiveness of industrial estates will be determined not only by infrastructure and investment but also by the credibility of their environmental governance. We continue to build multi-stakeholder collaboration as part of a competitive and responsible estate development strategy,’ concluded Bambang.