Indonesia unveils largest state-owned special economic zone
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has inaugurated a special economic zone (SEZ) in Batang regency, Central Java province, representing a major milestone in the nation's industrialization drive.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto speaks at the launch ceremony of the Batang Industrial Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Batang regency, Central Java province, Indonesia, March 20, 2025. Photo courtesy of Xinhua.
The 4,300-ha zone, also known as the Batang Integrated Industrial Area, is Indonesia's largest state-owned SEZ and a key component of the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" initiative between Indonesia and China.
At the inauguration ceremony on Thursday, President Prabowo expressed his hope the new SEZ could be Indonesia's Shenzhen, noting that the SEZ aligns with the country's vision of catching up with its neighbors by developing modern industrial estates capable of attracting major investments and generating employment.
Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said he was confident that "the synergy between Indonesia and China will further strengthen strategic industrial sectors and attract greater investment".
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