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Hendry Munief Highlights Rising Gas and Electricity Prices, Says Batam’s Industrial Competitiveness Must Be Strengthened
Published
Anggota Komisi VII DPR RI Hendry Munief, dalam kunjungan kerja spesifik Panja Rancangan Undang-Undang (RUU) Kawasan Industri Komisi VII DPR RI ke Kabil Integrated Industrial Estate, Kota Batam, Kepulauan Riau.|Foto: Kresno/Karisma
PARLEMENTARIA, Batam - Member of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives Hendry Munief highlighted rising industrial gas prices and electricity rates, which he said could drive up production costs and undermine the competitiveness of industry in Batam, Riau Islands. Energy issues were among the points raised during a working visit by Commission VII’s Special Working Committee on the Draft Industrial Estate Law to Kabil Integrated Industrial Estate (KIIE) in Batam, Riau Islands, on Friday (13/11/2026).
Hendry said that various issues raised by estate managers and business operators would be compiled as material for drafting the Industrial Estate Law. He asked the estate managers and BP Batam to submit the issues in writing so they could be examined in greater depth.
“We will take stock of all the issues raised earlier, gather the input and take it on board. I hope these can be submitted in writing, and we will follow them up,” Hendry said.
At a meeting with industrial estate managers and business operators, participants said rising energy prices were one of the challenges to sustaining investment. According to a presentation by KIIE management, industrial gas prices, previously around USD 8.87 per MMBTU, had risen to USD 13 per MMBTU for existing customers and USD 20 per MMBTU for new customers.
Industrial electricity rates were also a concern. The same presentation said the regular I-3 industrial service rate had reached Rp1,650 per kWh as of September 1, 2026. Meanwhile, some industries use a special service with a rate of Rp1,800 per kWh. The electricity rate for data center needs was reported to be Rp2,400 per kWh.
The simultaneous increases in gas and electricity prices are feared to raise companies’ operating costs. Estate managers also expressed concern that this situation could prompt companies to consider relocating to other countries in Southeast Asia if production costs continue to rise.
He said that the Industrial Estate Law should be drafted comprehensively and in an integrated manner. Energy, logistics and estate management issues are interrelated aspects that need to be considered to ensure the resulting regulations address the needs of industry players.
Through deliberations on the bill, Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives hopes to find regulatory solutions to the various challenges facing industrial estates. This would enable industrial estates in Batam and elsewhere in Indonesia to grow, remain competitive and contribute to the national economic growth target of 8 percent. (/um)
