Wednesday, 11 November 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has proposed the establishment of four types of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to the Central Government as part of efforts to attract investment and accelerate regional economic growth. The proposals cover SEZs for healthcare, tourism and food technology, as well as an industrial estate managed by the North Sumatra Provincial Government and its Regional-Owned Enterprises (BUMDs).
The initiative forms part of the provincial government's strategy to strengthen North Sumatra's appeal to investors while encouraging the development of sectors with significant economic potential. The proposed special zones are expected to establish a more integrated investment ecosystem, improve business conditions and stimulate new economic activities.Bobby presented the proposals during the inauguration of the Investment Desk at the Raja Inal Siregar Hall, North Sumatra Governor's Office, Jalan Diponegoro, Medan, on Monday, 9 November 2026.
During the event, Bobby explained that North Sumatra had identified several sectors with strong potential for development through the establishment of special economic zones. In addition to healthcare and tourism, the provincial government is promoting food technology and an industrial estate to be managed with the involvement of the provincial administration and regional-owned enterprises.
According to Bobby, support from the Central Government is essential to ensure that these zones can provide North Sumatra with stronger instruments for attracting both domestic and international investment."North Sumatra has put forward several recommendations. These include a healthcare SEZ, a tourism SEZ and a food technology SEZ. We have also proposed an SEZ for an industrial estate to be managed directly by the provincial government and our regional-owned enterprises," Bobby said.
Bobby expressed hope that the Central Government would follow up on the proposals so that the establishment of the special economic zones would move beyond the planning stage. Their implementation is expected to create new investment opportunities, expand business activities and generate wider economic benefits across North Sumatra.A healthcare SEZ, for example, could strengthen medical services and encourage investment in healthcare facilities and medical technology. Meanwhile, a tourism SEZ could help develop leading destinations, improve supporting infrastructure and increase local communities' participation in tourism-related economic activities.
In the food sector, investment in food technology is expected to strengthen production, processing and distribution chains. The proposed industrial estate could also serve as a centre for business activities, bringing investment, manufacturing and downstream industrial development together.
According to the figures he presented, the provincial government set an investment target of Rp53.67 trillion for 2025. Actual investment, however, reached Rp58.5 trillion, exceeding the target.
The achievement demonstrates North Sumatra's potential to attract investor interest. The provincial government aims to maintain this momentum through stronger investment policies, improved access to business opportunity information and better coordination of investment services.At the same event, Bobby launched the North Sumatra Provincial Investment Potential and Opportunities Management Information System, known as SIMPONI.
The application is designed to provide information about the province's economic potential and investment opportunities. Prospective investors and businesses are expected to use the platform to explore commercial opportunities, identify regional strengths and obtain an initial overview of government support for investment activities.The launch also forms part of the provincial government's efforts to strengthen digital public services. Easier access to structured information is expected to help investors assess potential business ventures and better understand North Sumatra's economic prospects before making investment decisions.
Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstreaming and Deputy Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Todotua Pasaribu, expressed his support for the North Sumatra Governor's proposals. He said the development of industrial estates and Special Economic Zones should be expanded as part of the strategy to increase investment.
Todotua believes an area-based approach offers advantages to investors by integrating various business requirements within designated locations. Such a strategy can also strengthen the coordination of government services and provide businesses with greater certainty."I also agree with the Governor. I believe North Sumatra must be encouraged to establish more of these zones, including industrial estates and Special Economic Zones. We need to open up these opportunities. One of our strategies for increasing investment is to establish designated investment areas. Within these areas, everything can then be handled through a single point of contact," the Deputy Minister said.
The support represents a positive signal for North Sumatra's plans to develop new economic zones. However, implementing each proposal will require further discussions, including preparations for planning, infrastructure readiness, management arrangements and coordination between central and provincial authorities.In addition to supporting the proposed economic zones, Todotua also inaugurated the Investment Desk, established through cooperation between the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM and the North Sumatra Provincial Government.
The Investment Desk is intended to strengthen coordination in investment activities, facilitate solutions to problems encountered by investors and improve businesses' compliance with risk-based business licensing requirements.The facility is based at the North Sumatra Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Office (DPMPTSP). Its responsibilities include exchanging data and information, as well as facilitating the resolution of investment-related obstacles.
Its functions also cover monitoring business licensing compliance, coordinating investment supervision and addressing indications of illegal or fictitious investment activities in accordance with the respective authorities of the institutions involved.The Investment Desk will not focus solely on resolving investors' problems. It will also help improve the capabilities of government officials and provide businesses with information about relevant policies and regulations. These measures are expected to promote a better understanding of regulatory requirements and create a more favourable investment climate.
Through its proposals for four economic zones, stronger investment services and the use of digital information systems, the North Sumatra Provincial Government is pursuing an integrated strategy to attract new capital.The success of this strategy will ultimately be measured not only by the value of investment entering the province, but also by its ability to create jobs, strengthen local industries, increase the added value of products and deliver broader economic benefits to communities. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
