Indonesia’s ambition to achieve 8% economic growth hinges on improving its investment climate, particularly through enhancing the competitiveness of special economic zones (SEZs) like Batam and Bintan. Inspired by the successful transformation of Shenzhen, China’s first SEZ, these regions could serve as pilot zones for transformative economic reforms. However, challenges such as fragmented strategies, dual authority in Batam, ineffective legal frameworks, outdated arbitration laws, and unclear land regulations have hindered FDI. For instance, the missed opportunity of a USD 2 billion data center project that went to Johor, Malaysia. To enhance their appeal as SEZs and drive national economic growth, Batam and Bintan must focus on refining their development objectives, aligning legal standards with global norms, streamlining governance, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering regional collaboration. This policy brief attempts to lay the groundwork for transforming Batam and Bintan into competitive SEZs that can drive Indonesia’s economic future.
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This study utilizes the World Governance Indicators (WGI) framework, developed by the World Bank, to provide a comprehensive analysis of Indonesia’s governance landscape. It highlights effective practices and offers practical recommendations to address the challenges faced by Indonesia. IBC believes the pressing need for governance reform is not only a matter of improving administrative efficiency but also a strategic imperative for Indonesia’s long-term development objectives. Without comprehensive reforms, the nation risks overcoming persistent issues like corruption, inefficiency, and inadequate public services.
The document emphasizes the importance of systematic and thorough governance reform as a high-priority agenda, crucial for achieving ambitious economic growth targets and enhancing the well-being of the Indonesian people.
Executive Summary
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To support the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, IBC proudly presents the white paper titled “15 Policy Package Recommendations to Support the Development Agenda of the President and Vice President of Indonesia 2024 – 2029.” This document maps out challenges across various focus areas and offers strategic policy package recommendations to support delivering 8 Asta Cita Missions, 8 Best Results Programs Fast, 17 Priority Programs, as well as other work programs.
The 15 policy package recommendations are based on the national management framework for a Competitive and Prosperous Indonesia. This framework consists of four main pillars: Economy, Human Resources, Governance, and Innovation, specifically formulated through 15 focus areas. These focus areas cover issues such as resource downstreaming, food estate, bureaucracy digitalization, and advanced technology production. Each policy package recommendation is designed in a modular fashion, allowing readers to select the parts most relevant to their interests and fields independently.
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