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Batam’s emergence as Indonesia’s newest eco-city
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nvestment Minister and Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head Bahlil Lahadalia has increased his focus on the development of Rempang Island, located in the vicinity of the Riau Archipelago.
Bahlil shared this information after attending a coordination meeting at the Marriott Hotel Batam on Sunday regarding the strengthening of investment plans for downstream glass and solar panel factories on Rempang.
Muhammad Rudi, the head of BP Batam, expressed hope that BKPM could provide further direction and guidance in order to realize the investment in Rempang Island.
"Hopefully, through the guidance of the Investment Ministry/BKPM and contributions from related parties and the community, we can realize this investment in Rempang Island together for the sake of improving the economy in Batam and Indonesia," Rudi said.
The development is expected to open new jobs for the community, as the island will be designated as a special economic area, to become a new engine of Indonesia’s economic growth with the concept of a "Green and Sustainable City".
In order to ensure that the development will be successful, Bahlil also allocated some effort toward improving human resources on the island. Younger residents will receive training courses or special education in the glass and solar panel industries to support Rempang Eco-City in the long run.
In July 2023, Bahlil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the government with Xinyi Group for the development of an integrated glass industrial center in the Rempang Eco-City Area. Xinyi Group is one of the largest glass and solar panel manufacturing companies in the world and is based in the city of Wuhu, China.
The project will give Indonesia the second-largest glass factory in the world, thus elevating the country’s reputation and standing on the international stage. Meanwhile, investment for the development of the Rempang area is targeted at US$11.5 billion and the projected is expected to employ 35,000 people.
The Rempang area was built to support the Batam Free Trade Zone and Free Port in the Batam, Bintan and Karimun areas. Currently, the total investment for the development for the new eco-city has reached Rp 43 trillion (US$2.81 billion), with PT MEG as the developer.
