Support Downstream, Galang Batang Pacu SEZ For Alumina Production

Galang Batang SEZ owner, George Santos (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Galang Batang Special Economic Zone (SEZ) located on Bintan Island, Riau Islands, continues to spur the production of 4 million tons of alumina which is targeted to be fulfilled in 2026 to support the downstream program, so that it can increase added value (value added) from domestic mineral resources.

"Currently, the Galang Batang SEZ is also in the production development stage to 4 million tons of alumina which is targeted for 2026 and will increase the value of exports," said Galang Batang SEZ owner George Santos as reported by ANTARA, Friday, July 26.

Santos explained that the special economic zone grew into a center for mining mineral processing (cauxite) and its derivative aluminum products, both from the purification stage (refinery) and the smelting process.

According to him, his party has succeeded in producing and exporting alumina which has made this special area attractive to investment in Indonesia. Until 2023, the investment that has been realized in the Galang Batang SEZ has reached IDR 20 trillion, and in 2024 it is targeted to invest IDR 30 trillion.

He conveyed that this SEZ is also a role model in developing industrial estates that can absorb a lot of labor and increase exports, so that the development of the main area is more competitive and developing, because it has port infrastructure with loading and unloading capacity of more than 20 million tons per year and PLTU which is developed up to 2,000 megawatts.

Currently, continued Santos, the special area is being built by a number of industrial factories, including a caustic soda factory, a garment factory, a solar panel factory, and a limestone factory. "We hope that the Galang Batang SEZ can have a positive impact on the Indonesian economy, and can continue to support the downstream program that has been directed by President Jokowi," he said.