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Airlangga, BP Batam head launch Galang Island’s Wiraraja green megaproject
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Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto (center, in white shirt) and BP Batam head Muhammad Rudi (eighth right) pose on Aug. 26, 2024 with attendees at the grand launch of the Wiraraja Green Renewable Energy and Smart-Eco Industrial Park national strategic project (PSN) at Galang Island, Batam, Riau Islands province. (Photo credit: BP Batam)
T
he Wiraraja Green Renewable Energy and Smart-Eco Industrial Park national strategic project (PSN) was launched in a grand ceremony on Aug. 26, 2024 at Wiraraja Industrial Estate in Nongsa district, Batam, Riau Islands province.
The ceremony was led by Muhammad Rudi, Chairman of the Batam Indonesia Free Trade Zone Authority (BP Batam), alongside Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto.
As stipulated by Decree of the Committee for Acceleration of Priority Infrastructure (KPPIP) No. 48/D.VI.M.EKON.KPPIP/05/2024 and IPW/48/D.VI.M.EKON.KPPIP/04/2023, PT Galang Bumi Industri is responsible for managing the Wiraraja Green Renewable Energy and Smart-Eco Industrial Park, while PT Marubeni Global Indonesia will manage the Wiraraja renewable energy project.
The two companies oversee the Wiraraja Industrial Estate on Galang Island, which covers 6,800 hectares and expects a projected investment of US$17.6 billion over the next five years. It is also estimated to create 36,000 new jobs.
"At the [Group of 20] forum, Indonesia's economic growth ranks in the top five at 5 percent, meaning that globally, this momentum must be maintained and improved continuously," Airlangga said in his remarks during the launch ceremony.
Airlangga also expressed appreciation for BP Batam in enhancing investment and easing business licensing to allow the region to continue its growth as the economic center of the Riau Islands.
"We all know that industrial development in Batam grows evenly and comprehensively with no single type of industry dominating, ranging from heavy industries to service industries, spread across 31 industrial zones and several special economic zones [SEZs]," the senior minister said.
"Through this investment, I hope industries in Batam and surrounding islands will continue to develop, and that Batam can become the epicenter of economic growth and the gateway for investment in Riau Islands province," he said.
The launch ceremony was also attended by the Secretary Susiwijono Moegiarso from the Office of the Coordinating Economic Minister, United States Consul General for Sumatra Bernard C. Uadan, Singapore Consul-General in Batam Gavin Ang and Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad.
Members of the Riau Islands Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) also took part in the inauguration event by signing a plaque that lists the eight companies establishing their presence in Wiraraja Industrial Estate.
BP Batam’s Muhammad Rudi declared his commitment to providing various investment facilities to ease doing business in the region.
"As an effort to maintain a conducive investment climate in Batam, we will always [continue to] support all forms of positive investment entering this area," he said.
"Hopefully with the growth of investment in Batam, the economy and welfare of the people of Batam can continue to improve, and together we can enjoy Batam as a new city for all of us."
