Jakarta. Chief Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto stated that Indonesia's economy has made significant strides over the past ten years under President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's leadership. A key factor driving this progress is the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across various regions.

Airlangga explained that Indonesia currently has 22 operational Special Economic Zones (SEZs), with seven more in the pipeline, spread throughout the country and covering a variety of industrial sectors. The aim of these zones is to enhance national industrial growth and create new job opportunities.

"Under Jokowi's era, the development of Special Economic Zones has just begun. Currently, 22 SEZs are operational, and there has recently been an addition of 7 more," said Airlangga after attending the Industrial Engineering Award at Soehanna Hall SCBD in Jakarta on Friday.

He also cited examples of other Asian countries, such as China and Vietnam, which have successfully utilized SEZs as tools to boost economic growth.

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"Special Economic Zones have become a mainstay in many Asian countries. For instance, China developed the Shenzhen area and other zones, as has Vietnam," he stated.

Airlangga emphasized that this initiative is part of the government's efforts to accelerate Indonesia's progress toward becoming a developed nation. He urged engineers to actively contribute to the advancement of the national industry.

"The government continues to promote the development of Special Economic Zones. Professional engineering organizations are expected to maintain innovation, creativity, and competence, as much of the infrastructure being built today relies on the skills of engineers," he asserted.

Since the establishment of SEZs in 2012 until mid-2024, investments have reached Rp 205.2 trillion, creating around 132,227 jobs. For 2024, the government aims to absorb 38,953 workers, but only 39 percent (about 15,229 workers) have been employed by mid-year. Currently, there are 22 SEZs with 368 business operators, along with an additional seven proposals for new SEZs.