BATAMCLICK.COM: The Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority (BP Batam) welcomed a delegation from the East Java Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Consultative Body on Tuesday morning (January 21, 2025).
Led by Vice Chair of Commission B, Husni Mubarok (from the Gerindra Party), the visit involved 13 DPRD members aiming to learn about Batam’s progressive management, particularly its achievements in investment and technology.
The delegation was warmly received by BP Batam’s Head of Public Relations, Promotion, and Protocol Bureau, Ariastuty Sirait, accompanied by the Director of One-Stop Integrated Services (PTSP), Harlas Buana, the Director of Goods Traffic Services and Investment, Surya Kurniawan Suhairi, along with other related officials from echelon III and IV.
“We want to explore and learn how Batam has become an extraordinary city—progressive and highly significant—where thriving investments coexist harmoniously with our culture and create local employment opportunities,” said Husni Mubarok in his opening remarks.
Ariastuty Sirait expressed her gratitude for the visit, noting that Batam felt honored to host representatives from one of Indonesia’s most advanced regions.
“It’s a privilege for us to welcome East Java, a leading region in Indonesia, to learn about Batam’s management. We know that they also have well-established Special Economic Zones (SEZs), such as SEZ Gresik and SEZ Singhasari, as well as Surabaya, which excels in urban planning and technology,” said Tuty.
The meeting discussed Batam’s unique features that set it apart from other regions in Indonesia, such as incentives for investors, including exemptions from import duties, Value-Added Tax (VAT), and Luxury Goods Sales Tax (PPnBM).
Surya Kurniawan Suhairi, Director of Goods Traffic Services and Investment, emphasized that Batam’s status as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) distinguishes it from other regions in Indonesia, especially concerning taxes, including VAT, which will be set at 12% starting early 2025.
“Batam’s FTZ status is a key differentiator. For Batam, the free trade zone positively impacts Indonesia’s export competitiveness,” said Surya.
Investors will benefit from simplified bureaucratic processes, expanded job creation, and economic growth.
However, Surya pointed out that Batam still needs vocational schools or training centers (BLKs) to produce skilled human resources tailored to investors’ technical requirements. This suggestion was well-received by the East Java DPRD, which already has numerous vocational schools and training centers.
“This visit opens opportunities for future collaboration with East Java, such as establishing training centers for skilled workers in Batam and organizing a Premium Domestic Product Expo here,” concluded Surya.***
