In the 1960s, the Indonesian government began to see the potential of Batam. This island was later used as a logistics base for petroleum on Sambu Island. However, a turning point in Batam’s history occurred in the 1970s, when the central government decided to develop Batam into an industrial area.
Batam’s strategic geographical location, namely on the international shipping route of the Straits of Malacca, accelerates the growth of the city. This is Batam, a city called Obeng Tae, and its rapid progress.
It is only natural that Batam is progressing so fast. With two Batam city government machines and the Batam Business Agency, this city can change for the better in a relatively short period of time. In fact, Batam’s economy was able to grow so fast even though it was in free fall when the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
A year later, Batam’s economy grew 4.75 percent in 2021, it increased again 6.84 percent in 2022, and in 2023 it skyrocketed to 7.04 percent. Batam City is an area that sustains the Riau Islands and the national economy.
Batam is known as a modern industrial city with rapid economic growth. Apart from being an industrial city, Batam is also known as an attractive tourist destination.
Beautiful beaches, modern shopping malls and various recreational facilities are attractions for domestic and foreign tourists. In fact, Batam once had the highest number of foreign tourists in Indonesia along with Jakarta and Bali.
With Batam’s splendor and progress in every sector, this small city has proven to be a dynamic city that is continuously developing. Due to its strategic geographical location, abundant potential of natural resources, and strong support from the government, Batam has a bright future.
A strong industrial sector and promising tourism potential make Batam an attractive city to live in and visit. This is the city of Batam, paradise at the West Gate of the archipelago.
Sure, here’s an engaging interview between the editor of Time.news and an expert in the field, focusing on the development of Batam:
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone, to another insightful session. Today, we have with us Dr. Rizal Anwar, an expert in Southeast Asian economics and urban development. Dr. Anwar, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Rizal Anwar (DRA): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Batam has quite an intriguing history, especially in relation to its development starting in the 1960s. Can you walk us through the early stages of Batam’s evolution?
DRA: Absolutely. In the 1960s, the Indonesian government recognized the strategic potential of Batam, particularly due to its geographical position on international shipping routes. Initially, it served as a logistics base, particularly for the petroleum industry on Sambu Island. This was a crucial point because it laid the groundwork for future developments.
TNE: Fascinating! So what exactly changed in the 1970s that turned Batam into an industrial hub?
DRA: The turning point came when the central government decided to develop Batam into an industrial area in the 1970s. This decision was part of a broader vision to stimulate economic growth in Indonesia through industrialization and to leverage Batam’s proximity to Singapore, which was rapidly becoming a financial center.
TNE: How did this development impact not only Batam but also the greater region?
DRA: The impact was significant. Batam evolved into a Free Trade Zone, attracting foreign investment and manufacturing companies, particularly from Singapore and Japan. This spurred job creation and increased rapid urbanization. The economic boom significantly transformed Batam’s infrastructure, society, and overall economic landscape.
TNE: But with rapid development, there must be challenges as well. What challenges did Batam face as it grew?
DRA: Yes, indeed. While industrialization brought economic benefits, it also created challenges such as environmental degradation, urban sprawl, and social inequality. As the population surged due to job opportunities, infrastructure faced tremendous pressure, leading to traffic congestion and inadequate public services. Addressing these issues has been an ongoing process for local authorities.
TNE: It seems like the balance between growth and sustainability is a continuing theme in development. What do you see for Batam’s future in this respect?
DRA: Moving forward, there’s a crucial need for sustainable development practices. The government has begun to emphasize green technology and sustainable urban planning to ensure that Batam can maintain its economic momentum while addressing environmental concerns. The goal is to create a balance where Batam can thrive economically without sacrificing the quality of life for its residents or the integrity of its natural environment.
TNE: Such an important perspective! As we continue to watch Batam’s development, what advice would you offer to policymakers?
DRA: Policymakers should prioritize community engagement and transparency in decision-making. Listening to the voices of local communities can help ensure that developments benefit everyone. Furthermore, investing in education and vocational training is crucial to prepare the workforce for an evolving industrial landscape.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Anwar. Your insights are invaluable, and they shed light on the intricate dynamics of growth and sustainability. We look forward to seeing how Batam evolves in the coming years.
DRA: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see what the future holds for Batam.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed with Time.news as we continue to explore key developments around the globe.
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This interview format aims to engage readers while providing informative content about Batam’s evolution, addressing both its achievements and challenges.