Gresik Special Economic Zone Set for Expansion as Government Pursues New Investment
The government is accelerating plans to expand the Gresik Special Economic Zone (KEK) in East Java to accommodate the high level of investment interest entering the area. The move comes amid global economic uncertainty due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts in various regions.
Discussions on the expansion were held through a coordination meeting regarding the Spatial Utilisation Activity Conformity Approval (PKKPR) at KEK Gresik on Friday (12/6/2026). The meeting was attended by several ministries and agencies, local government officials, and zone managers.
Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and Secretary of the National KEK Council, Susiwijono Moegiarso, said the government fully supports the expansion so that existing investment opportunities can be realised immediately.
“The government fully supports the expansion of KEK Gresik, so that existing investment opportunities and potential can be immediately realised and converted into economic activity and employment,” Susiwijono said in a statement on Saturday.
According to him, the need for expansion demonstrates high investor confidence in investing and developing businesses in Indonesia, particularly in KEK Gresik, which is a leading integrated industrial estate.
Since being designated as a KEK through Government Regulation Number 71 of 2021, the zone has recorded significant investment growth. As of the first quarter of 2026, cumulative investment in KEK Gresik reached Rp113.4 trillion. Of that amount, Rp108.2 trillion was investment that entered after the area obtained KEK status.
In terms of employment, KEK Gresik has absorbed 45,860 workers. More than 44,000 of these jobs were created after the area was designated as a KEK.
The government considers the expansion important to strengthen the integrated industrial and port ecosystem while supporting green energy development. The move is expected to enhance the zone’s competitiveness and drive regional and national economic growth.
Going forward, the government will continue to synchronise policies and coordinate across ministries, local governments, and zone managers so that spatial planning and licensing processes can proceed more quickly. This is intended to ensure the expansion of KEK Gresik is realised promptly and generates broader economic benefits for the community.