In a strategic move to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of Indonesia’s industrial sector, the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is promoting the designation of Objek Vital Nasional di bidang Industri (OVNI), or National Vital Object in Industrial Zones.

The status is aimed at improving security in industrial areas and providing legal certainty to investors.

“OVNI designation provides a more standardized level of security. This is essential for creating a conducive investment climate and boosting industrial growth, which supports the national target of 8 percent economic growth between 2025–2029,” said Tri Supondy, Director General of Industrial Resilience, Regional Access, and International Industrial Access (KPAII), in a statement issued in Jakarta on Sunday (15/6).

Of the 170 licensed industrial zones in Indonesia, only 31 currently hold OVNI status.

This number remains low despite the designation’s role in safeguarding industrial operations against security disturbances, such as disputes over economically valuable waste, internal vendor conflicts, and external interference.

Legal and Operational Certainty for Industrial Zones

According to Tri Supondy, OVNI functions as a strategic non-fiscal facility that strengthens internal security systems and enhances relationships between industrial zones and surrounding communities.

Kemenperin urges industrial companies to build self-managed security systems that align with Indonesian National Police standards.

“Besides delivering a sense of security, OVNI also strengthens internal corporate security management and improves ties with surrounding communities,” he said.

Kemenperin has initiated awareness campaigns focusing on industrial zones in West Java, DKI Jakarta, and Banten, marking these regions as priority areas for OVNI designation.

Industry Associations Voice Strong Support

Sanny Iskandar, Chairman of the Indonesian Industrial Estates Association (HKI), welcomed the OVNI initiative, stating that it demonstrates clear legal and governmental support for the industrial sector.

“For industrial zones, OVNI sends a positive signal that the state is present and committed to protection. This is extremely helpful in maintaining smooth operations,” said Sanny.

Akhmad Ma’ruf Maulana, Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), added that unresolved security issues often lead to high economic costs.

“With OVNI, industrial zones can receive security assistance from the police. This reflects important synergy among industry players, the government, and law enforcement,” said Akhmad, who also serves on the HKI Indonesia Advisory Board.

PT Jababeka Receives Continued OVNI Recognition

As part of its outreach efforts, Kemenperin presented an OVNI designation decree to PT Jababeka Tbk, marking the company’s third consecutive renewal of the status.

“OVNI plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations for both the estate and its tenants,” said Didik Purbadi, President Director of PT Jababeka Infrastruktur.

He stressed the need for long-term planning in areas such as security, infrastructure, and social relations.

“Security alone is not enough. There needs to be social engineering to ensure the estate coexists harmoniously with local communities and governments,” he said.

OVNI Application Through SIINas and Periodic Evaluation

The OVNI application process is conducted online via the National Industrial Information System (SIINas).

Companies are required to upload the necessary documents and follow verification and validation steps leading to a formal decision by the Minister of Industry.

Several of the 31 designated zones have established security cooperation with the Directorate of Vital Object Security (Ditpamobvit) of the National Police.

Kemenperin also enforces periodic evaluations and administrative sanctions for zones that fail to meet OVNI obligations, such as submitting annual reports or maintaining internal security systems.

“We hope this outreach effort encourages industrial estate managers to understand the benefits and urgency of OVNI, and to promptly apply for the designation,” Tri Supondy said.

PHOTO: KEMENPERIN

This article was created with AI assistance.