Gresik SEZ Absorbs Rp106tn, 30% of National Investment
The Gresik Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has recorded a striking achievement by absorbing investments of Rp106.3 trillion by 2025, equivalent to around 30% of the total investments in all SEZs across Indonesia. This figure reaffirms the strategic role of the Gresik SEZ as a driving force for the national industry, particularly in downstreaming and strengthening the domestic supply chain.
Roro Ayu Yayuk Dwi Hastuti, Director of External Relations and Special Economic Zones at the Gresik SEZ, explained that this realisation stems from the period 2021 to 2025. Even before gaining SEZ status, the Java Integrated Industrial and Ports Estate (JIIPE) area had already recorded investments of Rp5.2 trillion. “Cumulatively, the total investment before and after the SEZ designation reaches Rp111.5 trillion,” she stated.
The economic impact is also evident at the regional level. The Human Development Index (HDI) of Gresik Regency has increased from 77.30 in 2021 to 79.69 in 2025. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate has decreased from 8.00% to 5.47% over the past five years, in line with the addition of jobs from industries in the area.
In addition to investments, the Gresik SEZ also implements corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes covering sectors such as education, health, community economy, environment, and social infrastructure. “Our CSR programmes are designed to provide direct benefits to the communities around the industrial area,” said Roro.
With its contribution of nearly a third of the total national SEZ investments, this zone is assessed as increasingly strengthening its role as a driver of economic growth, both at the regional and national levels.
On the other hand, Susiwijono Moegiarso, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and Chairman of the National SEZ Implementation Team, stated that Indonesia’s macroeconomic conditions remain solid. Inflation is under control, and the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is above the 53 level. He added that the consumer confidence index, retail sector, and public purchasing power also show positive trends.
Acting Secretary General of the National SEZ Council, Rizal Edwin Manansang, revealed that throughout 2025, investment realisations in 25 SEZs reached Rp82.6 trillion, or 98% of the target. In terms of employment, SEZ areas have absorbed 88,541 workers, exceeding the set target. “This demonstrates that SEZs are increasingly effective in encouraging investments and job creation,” he explained.
A study by Prospera in collaboration with the Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM) at the University of Indonesia shows that regions with SEZs are able to attract investments up to 77% higher than non-SEZ areas, as well as 52% greater workforce absorption. In fact, for industrial SEZs, foreign direct investment (FDI) can reach 179% higher.
Moh. Edy Mahmud, Deputy for Balance and Statistical Analysis at the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), emphasised that SEZs contribute significantly to the economy through increased investments, exports, and job creation. The government is targeting national economic growth of 8% by 2029, with SEZs as one of the main drivers.
Through collaboration between the government, industry players, and the media, the National SEZ Council hopes that public understanding of the strategic role of SEZs will increase, particularly in driving investments, exports, job creation, and national economic transformation.