President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has officially designated parts of Batam and several regions in Banten as Special Economic Zones (KEKs).
Sekupang and Nongsa in Batam, which cover a total area of 47.17 hectares, are now KEKs focused on international tourism and healthcare.
Meanwhile, Cisauk and Pagedangan in Banten have been designated as KEKs for education, technology, and international healthcare.
The designation of Sekupang and Nongsa as KEKs was established through Government Regulation (PP) No. 39/2024, while Cisauk and Pagedangan in Banten were designated through PP No. 38/2024. Both regulations were signed by President Jokowi on October 7, 2024.
According to Article 2 of PP 39/2024, the Special Economic Zones for the Batam International Tourism and Healthcare will include 23.10 hectares in Sekupang and 24.07 hectares in Nongsa, with these areas set to promote business activities related to tourism and healthcare.
The establishment of these zones aims to attract investment by providing fiscal incentives and streamlined processes for businesses.
This initiative, proposed by PT Karunia Praja Pesona, a subsidiary of Mayapada Group, is expected to accelerate economic growth in Batam and the broader Riau Islands Province.
In Banten, Article 2 of PP 38/2024 designates 28.83 hectares in Cisauk and 30.85 hectares in Pagedangan as KEKs. These zones will focus on sectors such as research, digital economy, technology development, education, healthcare, and the creative industries.
The proposal for these KEKs was made by PT Surya Inter Wisesa, part of the Sinar Mas Group.
This move is expected to drive further development in both Batam and Banten, contributing to regional and national economic expansion.
