Akhmad Ma'ruf Maulana Becomes Chairman Of HKI, Supports PSN And Formation Of National Industrial Estates

JAKARTA Akhmad Ma'ruf Maulana was officially elected as General Chair of the Indonesian Industrial Estate Association (HKI) for the period 2025-2029 through the acclamation process at the XI HKI National Conference (Munas).

The National Conference, which carries the theme of Optimizing the role of Industrial Estates, Strengthens the Competitiveness of Manufacturing Industry Investment in the Context of Job Creation, was held at JS Luwansa Hotel, Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

"My deepest gratitude for the trust that has been given to me. This is not only an honor for me, but also a big responsibility in the midst of an uncertain world," Ma'ruf said in his inaugural speech.

Furthermore, Ma'ruf emphasized the importance of collaboration between the HKI and the Government, especially the Ministry of Industry, to create a more sure and competitive investment climate.

He said that industrial estates should be the driving force of the national economy, not only profit-oriented, but also based on the spirit of nationalism.

"We hope that together with the Ministry of Industry, Indonesia and the HKI, we will make industrial investments in Indonesia definite. Industrial areas are not only for business, but also for nationalism calls," he said.

The Establishment Of A National Industrial Estate

In addition, Ma'ruf also highlighted global geopolitical dynamics such as trade wars between the United States (US) and China. He considered this a strategic opportunity for Indonesia to attract investments diverted from other countries.

"There is a business space that we need to work on together because the impact of the trade war opens an investment gap in industrial estates that we support under the HKI," he said.

To answer these challenges, Ma'ruf encouraged the establishment of the National Industrial Estate Agency (BKIN) which is directly under the technical guidance of the Ministry of Industry.

This is similar to the role of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). BKIN is expected to be able to strengthen investment attraction and overcome obstacles faced by industrial estate players.

"We hope that there is an agency, an agency formed by the BKIN national industrial area that can answer investment challenges," said Ma'ruf.

Ma'ruf will also actively encourage the issuance of special laws on industrial estates in order to provide legal certainty and support a conducive investment ecosystem.

He emphasized that industrial estates are not only a matter of business, but also about contributions to nationalism, global competitiveness, and sustainable development.

"Industrial areas are not solely for profit, but there is a call for nationalism. We must unite to face competition with Johor, Singapore, whose government is very protective of its industrial area," said Ma'ruf.

Actively Supporting PSN

Furthermore, regarding the vision of the HKI with a national development agenda, Ma'ruf emphasized that the direction of the HKI policy is in line with the Asta Cita Presiden Prabowo Subianto and will actively support the National Strategic Project (PSN).

"Obviously we always coordinate with the government. We make the vision and mission must be in line with President Prabowo's Asta Cita."

"We want to pursue 8 percent economic growth in the next five years. We want a stronger legal umbrella for industrial estates," he said.

HKI will also continue to encourage industrial downstreaming, create industrial areas that are integrated, environmentally friendly, and adaptive to digital transformation and green energy.

All of these steps, said Ma'ruf, are considered important to make Indonesia a competitive and world-class investment destination.

"We will make a program on how Indonesia grows to become a more competitive and cheaper investment destination. We have to make more competitive breakthroughs," said Ma'ruf.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, who was present at the National Conference congratulated the elected chairman of the HKI and emphasized the importance of continuity of leadership in the organization.

"I think it's not going to be easier to ride the HKI in the future. The philosophy of the baton is sustainability, continuity that must not be cut off," said Agus.