Development of KEK on Strategic Policy of Equalization of Inter-regional Development

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution said the development of Special Economic Zones (KEK) is a strategic policy of the government to accelerate economic growth, as well as equal distribution between regions.

"KEK is a strategic government policy for equality between regions," Darmin said in the event "Special Economic Zone: Independence Ink from Suburb" in Jakarta, Tuesday (1/8/2017)

According to Law 39/2009 on Special Economic Zones, in SEZ there can be several zones of economic activity, including industrial zones, export zones, tourism zones, energy zones, logistics zones, and others.

Darmin said until July 31, 2017 has been determined 11 KEK, consisting of seven manufacturing-themed KEK and four KEK themed tourism.

"There are 11 SEZs this year almost all will operate all, then there are one to two SEZs that will operate until the first half of next year," he told the media crew.

Four KEK themed tourism that has been defined namely Tanjung Lesung (Banten), Cape Kelayang (Bangka Belitung), Mandalika (NTB), and Morotai (North Maluku).

Then, seven KEK themed manufactures are Arun Lhokseumawe (Aceh), Sei Mangkei (North Sumatra), Tanjung Api-Api (South Sumatra), Maloy Batuta Trans Kalimantan (East Kalimantan), Bitung (North Sulawesi), Palu (Central Sulawesi) And Sorong (West Papua).

The government itself plans to develop 25 SEZs until 2019. "So maybe this year will see practically all KEK planned to be 'launching' and start operating," said Darmin.