This year is a historic moment for BP Batam, which has entered the age of 54 years since it was first established as the driving force for the development of Batam Island. From a small border island, Batam has undergone a remarkable transformation into an international center of logistics, industry and investment activities.
However, entering a new phase of development, the challenge is no longer just about growth, but how to make it sustainable, inclusive and resilient in the face of global change.
History and Transformation of Batam Towards Global Hub
Batam’s development vision began in the early 1970s through Presidential Decree (Keppres) No. 41 of 1973 which established the Batam Island Industrial Area Development Authority-the forerunner of today’s BP Batam. Since then, various leadership phases have taken Batam through important milestones:
- Basic Infrastructure Phase (1970-1980): Focused on building key foundations, such as the construction of the harbor, Hang Nadim Airport, and the initial road network.
- Industrial and Investment Phase (1980-2000): The growth of manufacturing,transshipment, and logistics activities made Batam a production and service center.
- Economic Globalization Phase (2000-2020): Establishment of status as a Free Trade and Free Port Area (FTZ) and expansion of international networks, strengthening regional competitiveness.
Now, entering its 54th year, Batam is no longer just an industrial node, but is moving towards a future-oriented integrated area, ready to face the challenges of the 21st Century.
The Synergy of BP Batam Leadership Towards a New Era
BP Batam is now stepping into a more progressive and inclusive era of development, supported by a strong synergy between mature leadership and modern management. With a wealth of experience in government and the spirit of innovation from the new generation, BP Batam is ready to solidify Batam’s position as a Sustainable Strategic Economic Zone.
Strategic Direction of the Head of Batam Concession Agency (BP) – Amsakar Achmad: The Foundation of Sustainable Growth
Head of BP Batam, Amsakar Achmad, with a long track record in governance, emphasized that the accelerated development of Batam must stand on a solid foundation and provide real impact for the community. The development direction of BP Batam focuses on three main mandates:
- Improving Connectivity and Strategic Infrastructure: A key priority is to improve the capacity and quality of vital infrastructure, including the development of ports, airports and industrial road networks. This is to ensure Batam truly functions as an efficient International Logistics Hub.
- Strengthening Investment Competitiveness in a Sustainable Way: BP Batam is fully committed to bureaucratic simplification, modern governance, and responsive services. This creates a business climate that is transparent, fast, and highly competitive in the eyes of global investors.
- Ensuring that the benefits of development are felt by the community: Economic growth must be directly proportional to the welfare of citizens. BP Batam strives through the integration of local economic programs and employment so that development can improve the quality of life and open opportunities for the people of Batam.
The role of Deputy Head of BP Batam – Li Claudia Chandra: Innovation and Global Expansion
Complementing the strategic vision, the presence of Li Claudia Chandra as Deputy Head of BP Batam, a new generation of professionals, brings a spirit of renewal and global orientation. Her role is central in driving institutional transformation and the development of high value-added economic sectors:
- Service and Licensing System Digitalization: Utilize the latest technology to achieve efficient, transparent, and integrated public services and licensing, reduce waiting time, and minimize physical contact.
- International Collaboration and Green Investment: Open the door to greater collaboration with international partners, while actively encouraging the influx of green investment (sustainable investment) that is environmentally sound, in line with Batam’s commitment to the Green Economy.
- Development of Creative Economy and High Value Added Tourism: Diversify Batam’s revenue sources by maximizing the potential of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) such as Nongsa Digital Park (NDP) and an integrated tourism sector, which focuses on quality.
The synergy between the experience in regional development brought by the Head of BP Batam, Amsakar Achmad and the spirit of innovation and technological adaptation by the Deputy Head of BP Batam, Li Claudia Chandra is a major driving force. This combination reinforces the belief that Batam is ready to step into a more progressive era of development. Strategic infrastructure improvements are matched by service modernization and the development of new economic sectors.
This is a commitment to realize Batam as Smart and Sustainable City-a global investment area that does not abandon the socio-economic roots of its citizens.
At the age of 54, BP Batam not only celebrates its long history, but also inaugurates a new chapter of development. With a blend of mature experience and globally-oriented spirit of innovation, the current leadership of the Head of BP Batam, Amsakar Achmad and Deputy Head of BP Batam, Li Claudia Chandra strives to realize three main commitments namely: World-class infrastructure, competitive investment climate, and inclusive development.
Today’s commitment is to ensure that every development in Batam, from the expansion of Hang Nadim Airport to the simplification of digital licensing, ultimately boils down to one goal: realizing Batam as a city that is prosperous, competitive, and provides real benefits for all its citizens, now and in the future.
Let us together support this sure step, making Batam a proud economic locomotive for the nation.
