KEK Industropolis Batang Attracts South Korean Investment Again, Absorbs 6,000 Workers
Batang Kartininews.com – The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Industropolis Batang has once again attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) from South Korea through the presence of PT Simone Batang Indonesia, a global manufacturing company specializing in leather-based products oriented toward export markets.
The investment commitment was formalized through the signing of the Industrial Land Utilization Agreement (PPTI). The agreement was signed by Indri Septa Respati, Director of Marketing and Development of KEK Industropolis Batang, and Kim Jung Shik, President Director of PT Simone Batang Indonesia.
PT Simone Batang Indonesia will invest Rp429 billion to build production facilities on 8.28 hectares of land within the KEK Industropolis Batang area.
“This investment is projected to absorb around 6,000 workers and strengthen Batang Regency’s position as one of Indonesia’s key centers for labor-intensive, export-oriented industries,” said Indri Septa Respati, Director of Marketing and Development of KEK Industropolis Batang, during a meeting at the Ballroom of the KEK Industropolis Batang Management Office on Friday (8/5/2026).
The entry of PT Simone demonstrates growing confidence among global investors in Indonesia, particularly in KEK Industropolis Batang as a strategic industrial area.
“This investment shows that Indonesia, through KEK Industropolis Batang, is increasingly seen as an important part of the global supply chain. We are witnessing a strengthening trend where international companies are using this area as a production base for export markets,” he explained.
He added that the arrival of this new investment is a significant momentum for strengthening the national manufacturing sector, especially amid global competition to attract industrial relocation and expansion by international companies.
“PT Simone itself is a global manufacturing company established in 1987 and already operates production facilities in several countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia. Globally, the company holds approximately 10 percent of the world market share and 30 percent of the U.S. market, with retail sales value reaching more than US$7 billion,” he detailed.
Meanwhile, Kim Jung Shik, President Director of PT Simone Batang Indonesia, described Indonesia as a strategic location for the company’s long-term business development in Asia.
“We see Indonesia as one of our future production bases in Asia. KEK Industropolis Batang offers the combination of advantages we need — from policy support and ready infrastructure to workforce potential,” he said.
Construction of the factory is scheduled to begin in the next two months, with a target completion date of July 2026. Production operations are planned to start gradually from July 2027.
“In addition to expanding the company’s global production network, this investment is expected to deliver direct economic benefits to the community through job creation, increased industrial activity, and regional economic growth,” he concluded.
