Investors have high confidence in the Gresik Special Economic Zone (SEZ), East Java. Of the investment value of Rp 92.8 trillion, the dominant contribution came from the private sector or business actors amounting to Rp 83.3 trillion.
Within the framework of the national mission to accelerate industrialization, the success of Gresik SEZ is proof that the optimization and establishment of SEZs can be a strategic key for Indonesia to create a conducive business climate.
The concept of industrial localization through SEZs is believed to be able to reduce the national Incremental Capital Output Ratio (ICOR) figure, which fundamentally measures investment efficiency. Data shows that Indonesia's ICOR is still around 6, indicating that it needs a large investment capital to produce relatively small economic growth.
On several occasions, including at the National Working Meeting and SEZ performance evaluation (6/9/2025), Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Chairman of the National SEZ Council Airlangga Hartarto said that SEZs have shown a real contribution to the Indonesian economy. This is reflected in the achievement of ICOR in the range of 2-3, much smaller than the national average of 6. This significant difference emphasizes the much higher capital efficiency in SEZs.
The effectiveness of Gresik SEZ is inseparable from its strong investment pull factors. The strategic location with adequate industrial infrastructure, such as integrated port access, reliable energy and water supply, and good road networks, ensures smooth operations and reduced logistics costs for investors. The availability of this physical infrastructure streamlines business processes, from raw materials to product distribution, which directly contributes to the region's low ICOR rate.
This economic area in Gresik Regency contributes almost half the value of the district's gross regional domestic product (GRDP). The contribution value of the manufacturing or processing industry in Gresik Regency also continues to grow. Despite experiencing a decline during the pandemic, the processing industry managed to bounce back and stabilize in value and percentage to GRDP. In 2024, the value even reached IDR 60.32 trillion or 50.6% of the total GRDP of Gresik Regency.
The development of the economic ecosystem in this area is also developed through access to the vocational education sector. In collaboration with educational institutions, Gresik SEZ established a vocational education center that is relevant to the needs of the local industry. Such as the main activities of the metal, chemical, electronics, energy industries, to supporting industries and logistics.
The real impact of Gresik SEZ on the regional economy is also evident. Investment realization in 2024 reached IDR 26.5 trillion, meeting 90.3% of the set target of IDR 29.34 trillion. This shows a solid performance. In addition, the realization of employment in 2024 reached 7,656 people, or more than 100% of the target of 1,509 people.
Cumulatively, Gresik SEZ has absorbed approximately 39,656 workers and attracted 30 businesses. In 2024, there are an additional 7 new businesses, including PT Freeport Indonesia.
Thanks to the growth of the processing industry in Gresik Regency, the gross regional domestic product (GRDP) at constant prices (ADHK) also continues to increase, reaching Rp 60,317.76 billion in 2024 or 50.6% of the total GRDP.
Given its positive achievements in investment absorption, job creation, and increased investment efficiency, Gresik SEZ can serve as a model for effective SEZ development in Indonesia. Its success proves that the combination of strategic location, integrated infrastructure, and pro-investment government policies can make SEZs a powerful instrument to accelerate industrialization and improve the competitiveness of the national economy at the global level.
The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs also said that this SEZ development model is key to achieving a more efficient national ICOR target and realizing sustainable economic growth.
