Gresik SEZ Absorbs 45,000 Workers, Investment Reaches Rp113 Trillion

The Gresik Special Economic Zone (SEZ) continues to record investment growth amidst global uncertainty triggered by geopolitical tensions and a world economic slowdown. As of the first quarter of 2026, cumulative investment in the area has reached Rp113.4 trillion and absorbed 45,860 workers. This achievement is one of the reasons the government is accelerating the expansion process of the Gresik SEZ to accommodate incoming new investment. The expansion plan was discussed in a coordination meeting regarding the Approval of Spatial Utilisation Activity Conformity held in Gresik, East Java, on Friday. The Secretary of the National SEZ Council, who is also Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Susiwijono Moegiarso, stated that the high investment realisation shows investor confidence in Indonesia remains intact. “Amid global uncertainty due to geopolitical conditions and conflicts in various regions, investment realisation in Indonesia continues to increase, including foreign investment in special economic zones,” Susiwijono said. Since being designated as an SEZ through Government Regulation Number 71 of 2021, the area has developed into a new economic growth centre in East Java. Of the total investment of Rp113.4 trillion, approximately Rp108.2 trillion is investment that entered after the area obtained SEZ status. The investment increase has also impacted labour absorption. Of the total 45,860 workers absorbed, more than 44,000 people are workers recruited after the Gresik SEZ officially operated. According to Susiwijono, the need for area expansion reflects the high interest of investors in developing businesses in the Gresik SEZ. Therefore, the government is trying to accelerate the licensing process and spatial planning completion so that existing investment opportunities can be immediately realised. “The government fully supports the expansion of the Gresik SEZ so that the existing investment potential can be immediately converted into economic activity and employment,” he said. Besides expanding the industrial and logistics areas, the development of the Gresik SEZ is also directed at strengthening the integrated industrial ecosystem and supporting green energy development. The government hopes this step can increase the area’s competitiveness while encouraging regional and national economic growth.