Singapore and Indonesia will jointly commission a study of the technology sector in the Batam, Bintan, and Karimun region [1].
This initiative seeks to leverage the strategic location of these islands to create a regional digital hub, deepening economic ties between the two neighbors to drive growth amid global uncertainties [4].
The announcement took place on June 9, 2026 [3], during the 16th Singapore-Indonesia Six Bilateral Working Group meeting [4]. The study will focus on identifying future opportunities and developing specific recommendations to transform the area into a center for digital innovation [2].
The targeted area, known as the BBK region, consists of the Batam, Bintan, and Karimun islands located within Indonesia’s Riau Islands Province [1]. These islands operate as a free-trade zone and are situated between 40 and 90 minutes [1] from Singapore by ferry.
By assessing the current tech landscape in the BBK region, both governments aim to identify gaps and potentials for investment. The collaboration is intended to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation through the existing Six Bilateral Working Group platform [4].
“transform the area into a vibrant digital hub”
This partnership signals a strategic move to expand Singapore's digital ecosystem into Indonesian territory. By utilizing the BBK region's free-trade status and proximity to Singapore, the two nations are attempting to create a cross-border economic zone that can compete with other Southeast Asian tech hubs while diversifying their economic resilience.
