Gresik SEZ Absorbs 45,000 Workers, Investment Reaches Rp113 Trillion
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Gresik Special Economic Zone (KEK) has attracted Rp113.4 trillion in cumulative investment by Q1 2026.
- The zone has created 45,860 jobs, with over 44,000 hired after KEK Gresik officially began operations.
- The Indonesian government is accelerating the expansion of KEK Gresik to accommodate new investments and strengthen national economic independence.
Indonesia's Gresik Special Economic Zone (KEK) continues to attract significant investment, reaching a cumulative total of Rp113.4 trillion by the first quarter of 2026. This economic hub has also become a major job creator, employing 45,860 people, with the majority hired after KEK Gresik officially commenced operations. The zone's success underscores investor confidence in Indonesia amidst global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.
President Prabowo Subianto recently inaugurated a precious metal refinery at KEK Gresik, a facility with an investment of Rp10 trillion. This refinery is designed to process anode sludge into 50 tons of gold and 210 tons of silver bars annually. The government anticipates this will boost the national economy, enhance self-reliance, and solidify Indonesia's position as a leading global gold producer.
In the midst of global uncertainty due to geopolitical conditions and conflicts in various regions, investment realization in Indonesia continues to increase, including foreign investment in special economic zones.
The strong investment performance has prompted the government to expedite the expansion of KEK Gresik. Discussions regarding the spatial utilization permits are underway, reflecting a high investor interest in developing businesses within the zone. Susiwijono Moegiarso, Secretary of the National KEK Council, highlighted that despite global uncertainties, Indonesia's investment realization, including foreign investment in special economic zones, continues to grow.
Since its designation as a KEK in 2021, the area has emerged as a new economic growth center in East Java. Approximately Rp108.2 trillion of the total investment flowed in after the zone received its official KEK status. The government is fully supporting the expansion to convert existing investment potential into economic activity and job creation, while also focusing on developing an integrated industrial ecosystem and promoting green energy.
The government fully supports the expansion of KEK Gresik so that existing investment potential can be immediately converted into economic activity and employment.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.