Batam, Batamnews - Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartanto visited two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the Nongsa area, Batam, Riau Islands, Friday (4/11/2022). 

During this visit, Airlangga invited the United States Ambassador, Sung Y Kim, and the Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia, Nadia Burger.

The two SEZs visited were Nongsa SEZ and Batam Aero Technic (BAT) SEZ. During the visit, Airlangga said that he and the ambassadors reviewed the SEZ facilities. 

"In the future, we need cooperation for engine maintenance, we are currently talking about General Electric (GE), and we are directing it to BAT," said Airlangga. 

According to him, BAT can provide the needed engine maintenance, especially since BAT has 600 engines where it has become its market which is currently being engine prepared in Singapore, China, and European countries.

Regarding the Nongsa Digital Park SEZ visit, Airlangga said the visit was to review digital development and investment in the area.

"This area already has several data centers prepared. A while ago, I participated in the piling ceremony of the GDS," he said.

In addition, there are also new developments regarding the addition of a commitment from IBM at Kampus Merdeka (Kampus Merdeka- Program from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia that facilitates students to learn about practical knowledge and acquire valuable skills for their future careers). And in March 2023, it will recruit education for hybrid and cloud academies and Artificial intelligence (AI). 

From the government side, Airlangga said that the government continues to encourage and hopes that the SEZ can attract several investors, especially in the digital field.

"Currently, facilities and connectivity with Singapore are available. Plus, there is also the availability of power or electricity that is renewable energy, including solar-based," he said.

US Ambassador to Indonesia Sung Y Kim said now is an opportunity to contribute to the global economic recovery. 

"Currently, the investment that has been achieved in Batam is McDermott which has absorbed 10 thousand workers," he said. 

Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Nadia Burger added that the relationship between Canada and Indonesia has been established for a long time and has collaborated in many ways. This year, she mentioned that Indonesia-Canada diplomatic relations had entered 70 years. 

"Although Canada-Indonesia-US relations are already strong, we can and should work together more in terms of managing economic potential," she said.