Batam secures US$10.35 billion investment commitments in Singapore

Batam, Riau Islands (ANTARA) – Batam’s investment authority reported US$10.35 billion in commitments from global companies during the “Second Edition of Islands of Growth” forum in Singapore on Tuesday.Fary Djemy Francis, Deputy for Investment and Business at Batam Authority (BP Batam), said 20 multinational firms have pledged investments across strategic sectors including energy, advanced manufacturing, maritime, and logistics.“BP Batam recorded $10.35 billion in investment commitments from 20 global companies in energy, advanced manufacturing, maritime, and logistics sectors,” Fary said in a statement received in Batam, Riau Islands.He noted the commitments are preliminary agreements or investment plans to be implemented gradually, following studies, licensing, and project finalization.“Investors are now showing long-term confidence in Batam. They see clearer development directions and more reliable services,” he said.Fary highlighted Batam-Bintan-Karimun’s (BBK) growing strategic role amid shifts in global supply chains, supported by Batam’s location just 20 kilometers from Singapore—an advantage few Southeast Asian regions can match.At the forum, Fary introduced a new initiative, “Batam – Your Best Friend to Invest,” featuring an Investment Dashboard, one-stop communication services, standardized service times, and Mobile Investment Clinics to resolve on-the-ground challenges faster.He also presented two new regulations strengthening investment services: Government Regulation (PP) 25/2025, granting BP Batam authority to issue basic permits including environmental approvals, marine spatial use, and forest area usage directly from Batam; and PP 47/2025, expanding the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and offering new industrial and logistics space.“With regulatory certainty and expanded area capacity, Batam is becoming increasingly competitive in Southeast Asia,” Fary said.He emphasized Batam’s green industrial development, citing the Tembesi floating solar power project and plans for low-carbon zones.“Batam is open, trusted, and moves fast. Invest in Batam – where proximity meets possibility,” he said.The forum was attended by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryo Pratomo, EDB Singapore Chairman Png Cheong Boon, and Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad.