Governor Ansar Outlines Investment Facilitation for BBK FTZ
Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad outlined the various advantages and guarantees for ease of investment in the Batam, Bintan, and Karimun (BBK) Free Trade Zone (FTZ) during an investment forum held in Singapore on Thursday (January 15, 2025).
The event—titled "Joint Investment Promotion Event: Investment Opportunities and Business Regulations in the Batam, Bintan, and Karimun (BBK) Free Trade Zone"—was part of the collaboration under the Batam, Bintan, and Karimun Working Group (WG BBK). This initiative was launched by the governments of Indonesia and Singapore to strengthen economic connectivity and drive high-quality investment.
The event was attended by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo, Chairman of the Singapore Economic Development Board Png Cheong Boo, as well as hundreds of business leaders and prospective investors from Singapore.
In his presentation, Governor Ansar explained that the Riau Islands' economy is on a strong growth trajectory. He noted that the region's economy grew by 7.48 percent year-on-year (yoy) in the third quarter of 2025—the highest rate in Sumatra and the third-highest nationally.
This growth was driven by the manufacturing and mining sectors, alongside steadily rising investment realization. By the third quarter of 2025, the Riau Islands had recorded investment realization totaling IDR 48.90 trillion, surpassing the regional target and achieving over 84 percent of the national target.
"The Riau Islands' economic growth is very solid and reflects strong investor confidence. The continued rise in investment realization demonstrates that our business climate is becoming increasingly competitive and attractive," said Governor Ansar.
He also emphasized that the BBK FTZ holds strategic advantages over other regions in Indonesia, primarily due to its proximity to Singapore. Ansar explained that Batam, Bintan, Karimun, and Tanjungpinang possess complementary economic characteristics, ranging from heavy industry, technology manufacturing, and international tourism to logistics and creative economy hubs.
