Johor and Batam strengthen economic cooperation

The Johor state government has taken a significant step by engaging the Batam Free Trade Zone and Free Port (BP Batam), Indonesia, to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance economic cooperation between the two regions.

A bilateral meeting was recently held at the BP Batam Office, led by Johor Menteri Besar Dato Onn Hafiz Ghazi and BP Batam head Muhammad Rudi.

Boosting connectivity and economic growth

During the meeting, the impressive economic growth of Batam, which reached 7.04% in 2023, was highlighted.

“I am greatly impressed by Batam’s economic growth of 7.04% in 2023.

This achievement reflects positive economic growth supported by foreign investment, the development of the tourism sector, and infrastructure upgrades in Batam,” wrote Onn Hafiz on his Facebook page.

The discussion focused on enhancing connectivity between Johor and Batam, with particular emphasis on the development of a Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ship route.

“The opening of the Batam-Johor Ro-Ro route is our priority. The sooner we realise it, the faster the economies of the two regions will grow,” Rudi stated.

Both parties are committed to preparing the necessary Ro-Ro infrastructure, with Batam working on improving its port facilities to support this initiative.

Infrastructure and tourism development in Batam

During the meeting, Rudi also revealed plans for building a new terminal at the Batam Centre Point International Ferry Terminal.

This development aims to enhance the convenience of foreign tourists travelling between Batam and Johor.

“The development of Batam Centre Port is dedicated to boosting the tourism sector.

Additionally, the number of Indonesian workers in Johor is quite large, so I think this development will be beneficial for them,” Rudi explained.

The meeting underscored the importance of accelerating infrastructure development to support economic growth in both regions.

Rudi expressed hope that the meeting’s outcomes would be forwarded to the relevant agencies in Malaysia to expedite these developments.

Onn Hafiz echoed this sentiment, stating that various plans had been discussed, including the implementation of the ‘Single Border Clearance’ method between Johor, Singapore, and Batam.

This initiative aims to streamline border processes, improve existing ferry infrastructure and services, and foster cooperation in the health sector.

After the meeting, Onn Hafiz confirmed that his administration would follow up on the preparations for the Batam-Johor Ro-Ro ship route.

This involves addressing infrastructure needs, ensuring preparedness, and securing agreements at the leadership level.

The commitment to these initiatives reflects a shared vision of bolstering economic ties and fostering regional growth.