SEMARANG, Indonesia, March 20 (Xinhua)-- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the Batang Industrial Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Batang Regency, Central Java province on Thursday, marking a significant step in the country's industrialization efforts.
The 4,300-hectare zone, also known as the Batang Integrated Industrial Area, is Indonesia's largest state-owned SEZ and a key component of the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" initiative between Indonesia and China.
"Today, Indonesia has an area that we hope can be Indonesia's Shenzhen," said Prabowo in his address, noting that the SEZ aligns with Indonesia's vision of catching up with its neighbors by developing modern industrial estates capable of attracting major investments and generating employment.
"We must have the courage to pursue what our neighboring countries have achieved. We should not hesitate to learn from successful models, as our ultimate goal is to bring prosperity to all Indonesians," he said.
Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said he was confident that "the synergy between Indonesia and China will further strengthen strategic industrial sectors and attract greater investment."
Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong hailed the Batang Integrated Industrial Area as a significant milestone in the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" initiative, emphasizing its role in deepening bilateral economic cooperation.
Wang expressed his confidence that the Batang Integrated Industrial Area, backed by strong Chinese participation, would serve as a model for future bilateral cooperation.
