North Sulawesi Government Says Bitung SEZ Needs a Business-Friendly Ecosystem
The Provincial Government of North Sulawesi stated that the Special Economic Zone (KEK) in the province requires an ecosystem of ease of doing business.
“KEK Bitung, as an industrial and logistics engine, alongside the Likupang Tourism SEZ, which is one of the national Super Priority Tourism Destinations (DPSP), are the main pillars for accelerating our economic growth,” said Denny Mangala, Assistant for Governance and People’s Welfare at the North Sulawesi Provincial Secretariat, in Manado on Thursday.
Denny said that natural potential and geographical position will not produce an optimal impact without the support of a business-friendly ecosystem that is responsive, adaptive, and possesses legal certainty. Meanwhile, accessibility, service speed, and bureaucratic flexibility are the main keys to winning the global investment competition.
The North Sulawesi Provincial Government expressed its highest appreciation to the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, particularly the North Sulawesi Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, for initiating the Ultima I’m Sez breakthrough in KEK Bitung and KEK Likupang.
“This solution-oriented step is a real answer to the needs of investors and highly skilled foreign workers in the SEZ areas,” he stated.
Through the integrated ease of visa services and stay permits, it not only cuts bureaucracy but also builds a bridge of trust for the international community to invest their capital in North Sulawesi.
Assistant Denny mentioned that the successful implementation of ‘Ultima I’m Sez’ requires a collective commitment, making cross-sectoral synergy an absolute necessity.
“We hope that the ranks of the DPMPTSP, the Industry and Trade Office, and the Manpower Office, at both the provincial and district/city levels, actively align their work programmes with the immigration authorities,” Denny hoped.
Ultima I’m Sez (Immigration Services for Special Economic Zone) is a special immigration service launched by the Directorate General of Immigration to facilitate licensing for investors and tourists. The North Sulawesi Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration is providing this service in the Bitung and Likupang Special Economic Zones.
ANTARA’s investigation data notes that KEK Bitung is currently developing as a processing industry and logistics centre in Eastern Indonesia, with investment realisation continuing to increase, although it still faces challenges in accelerating investment, providing infrastructure, and absorbing labour.
When inaugurated, KEK Bitung, with an area of approximately 534 hectares, was targeted to attract investment of around Rp35.2 trillion and absorb around 34,710 workers. However, realisation up to 2023 saw actualised investment of around Rp1.7 trillion and labour absorption of about 1,154 people.
The North Sulawesi Provincial Government stated that investment realisation for KEK Bitung up to 2026 had reached approximately Rp10.5 trillion, showing an acceleration compared to previous years.
KEK Bitung was established through Government Regulation Number 32 of 2014 and was inaugurated by President Joko Widodo on 1 April 2019.