The Indonesian Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is speeding up the development of thematic industrial zones that align with national policies and long-term strategic needs (01/01). These zones can be directed into National Strategic Projects (PSN) or Special Economic Zones (SEZs), depending on their focus and characteristics.

Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said the future industrial zones will not only focus on economic growth but also strengthen national resilience in strategic sectors.

“We will strive to establish industrial zones that can later be directed into PSN or SEZ. This very much depends on the theme or thematic of the zone so that it truly aligns with what the country needs,” Agus said during the Manufacturing Performance 2025 and 2026 Manufacturing Outlook press conference in Jakarta on 31/12.

Industrial Zones Must Align with National Priorities

Kemenperin will carefully evaluate proposals for industrial zones to ensure they match government priorities. These include energy resilience, food security, and other strategic policies that form the basis of national development.

“What we will observe is that industrial zones must indeed be in line with our policies, for example, energy resilience and food security policies,” Agus explained.

Industrial Development Supports Healthcare Resilience

Agus also highlighted that thematic industrial zones will support Asta Cita, especially the fifth goal: providing quality, fair, and equitable healthcare. In practice, this means improving the resilience and independence of Indonesia’s healthcare sector.

“Another way to put it is resilience in the health sector, or self-reliant healthcare. The industrial zones, PSNs, and SEZs we will develop moving forward will also be directed there,” he said.

Biotown Project Focuses on Pharmaceuticals and Health Devices

Kemenperin recently received a proposal from a major business group to develop a thematic industrial zone called Biotown, designed as a hub for pharmaceutical and medical device production.

“From Biotown, it is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s capacity to produce medicines and healthcare equipment,” Agus stated.

Biotown will use Indonesia’s natural resources, especially herbal and local biological materials, as the basis for production.

“What is even more interesting, the medicines developed will be based on Indonesia’s natural resources, herbal-based, and derived from the wealth of our own natural resources,” he added.

Agus said thematic industrial zones like Biotown are an ideal model. They create industrial value while strengthening national self-reliance and remain fully aligned with presidential policies in areas such as food security, energy security, and healthcare resilience.

“Themes like this need to be sought and promoted going forward, of course, ensuring full alignment with the President’s policies,” Agus concluded.

PHOTO: MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY

This article was created with AI assistance.