The Head of BP Batam, Amsakar Achmad, along with the Deputy Head of BP Batam, Li Claudia Chandra, welcomed the visit of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) of the Republic of Indonesia for the coordination of corruption prevention in Industrial Estates, Special Economic Zones (KEK), and National Strategic Projects (PSN), Wednesday (8/4/2026).

The visit by the KPK team, led by the Head of the Coordination and Supervision Task Force (Korsup) for Region V, Dian Patria, aims to strengthen transparency and accountability of investments in national strategic areas.

The KPK assesses that the Industrial Estate, Special Economic Zone, and National Strategic Project sectors have vulnerabilities in aspects of licensing compliance, investment, and area development, thus requiring comprehensive governance strengthening.

At the meeting, the KPK emphasised the importance of ensuring that all incentives provided by the state truly benefit the community and national economy, while also preventing moral hazard practices in industrial estates amidst dynamic global challenges.

“We greatly appreciate the dynamic discussion with BP Batam. This has enriched the coordination in mapping corruption prevention risks, resolving cross-party issues, and safeguarding state assets in strategic areas,” said Dian Patria.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) explained that it had visited a number of Strategic Industrial Areas in Indonesia to observe various aspects firsthand to ensure that the incentives provided by the state to Industrial Areas, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), or National Strategic Projects (PSNs) have benefited the country and the public.

“Our perception index has fallen, based on a survey of multinational businesses. We want to ensure there is no moral hazard and that investment is not bringing benefits to the country. Let's ensure that businesses operating in Special Economic Zones (KEK), Industrial Areas (KI), and National Strategic Projects (PSN) comply with the state, by paying taxes, following standard operating procedures (SOPs), and adhering to regulations. Businesses must comply, and so must their oversight.” Dian explained.

Responding to this, the Head of BP Batam, Amsakar Achmad, affirmed BP Batam's commitment to strengthening the governance of strategic areas that are clean and accountable, particularly in Industrial Areas, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and National Strategic Projects (PSNs) in the Batam region, Riau Islands.

“This coordination is an important step in strengthening regional governance, particularly in preventing corruption in industrial areas, special economic zones, and national strategic projects,” said Amsakar.

The Head of BP Batam, Amsakar Achmad, also highlighted the improvement of investment area governance in Batam, particularly concerning policy overlaps between the Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Special Economic Zone (KEK), and National Strategic Project (PSN).

He explained that Batam has special characteristics as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) region, which differs from other regions, both in terms of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. Therefore, adaptive and integrated policies are needed to avoid conflicts between FTZs, Special Economic Zones (KEK), and National Strategic Projects (PSN).

In line with that, Deputy Head of BP Batam, Li Claudia Chandra, added that Batam's position as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has so far been considered to have made a significant contribution to investment growth.

According to him, policy strengthening should be focused on optimising the FTZ itself. Therefore, he highlighted that the existence of SEZ and NCS policies in FTZ areas is feared to conflict with the FTZ facilities themselves.

The discussion also covered a number of cross-sector strategic issues, including basic and environmental licensing, customs and foreign labour supervision, information system integration, energy and water supply for industry, environmental management, and the strengthening of area supervision.

As a strategic step forward, BP Batam is encouraging the full strengthening of Batam's role as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ), by minimising policy overlaps with other schemes such as Special Economic Zones (KEK) and National Strategic Projects (PSN).

The KPK also highlights the importance of businesses complying with tax obligations, reporting requirements, environmental impacts, and applicable regulations, to ensure that incoming investments make a real contribution to the country and society.

Through this coordination, BP Batam and the KPK agreed to continue strengthening synergy in promoting a healthy, transparent, and integrity-driven investment climate, while ensuring that the development of industrial areas, Special Economic Zones (KEK), and National Strategic Projects (PSN) in Batam can provide optimal benefits for regional and national development. (NA)

Batam, 8th April 2026

Head of the General Affairs Bureau
Batam Concession Body
Mr Taofan