Indonesia's Batang Integrated Industrial Area stands as a showcase of how BRICS cooperation is turning Global South solidarity into concrete factories, jobs and development, as the grouping is set to hold its 18th summit in India over the weekend.
Last January, Indonesia officially joined BRICS as a full member, which over the past decades has grown into a major platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, with an ever-expanding role in global affairs.
Cooperation under the framework has enabled the success of the Batang Integrated Industrial Area in Central Java Province, which began operations in July 2024.
The 4,300-hectare industrial area is a flagship cooperation project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and a key component of the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" initiative between Indonesia and China. In March 2025, it was upgraded by the Indonesian government to a national special economic zone.
Now, around 20,000 people pass through the industrial area each day.
In a furniture factory, Indonesian workers have become highly skilled in every part of the production process. According to the company, since starting production two months ago, it has opened two factory buildings and hired 500 Indonesian employees.
"Next year, we will open all six factory buildings. By then, our positions, locally recruited positions in Indonesia, will reach 5,000 to 6,000," said Zhu Xiang, general manager of a Chinese company in the industrial area.
Across from this completed factory, a medical supplies company is also accelerating construction. The project is now nearing completion and is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of December this year.
"I really like this job. Although I work in the procurement department, the company also provides a lot of training, including occupational safety, production, research and development, quality, and more. These have all been very helpful to my career development. Last year, I even received the company's 'Best Indonesian Employee' award. The company arranged for several Indonesian employees to go to Nanjing together to experience the charm of the city," said a local employee.
At present, nearly 100 enterprises have settled in the park, with Chinese companies among the most numerous.
"Indonesia's participation in BRICS opened [up] new opportunities to work more closely with developing and emerging economies. We see BRICS as a platform to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, technology, energy and sustainable development based on mutual benefit," said Rahmat Priyatna, head of Market Strategy at Batang Integrated Industrial Area.
The 18th BRICS Summit is set to take place in New Delhi on Saturday and Sunday, bringing together leaders from 11 member states, 10 partner countries, and other invited guests.
Batang Industrial Area stands as model of BRICS cooperation
