Journal of Social and Policy Issues
Volume 6, No. 2 (2026): April- June

Challenges and Opportunities for Policy Formulation of Special Economic Zones in Indonesia: A Review of the Contemporary Systematic Literature

A. Ariyadi Adi (Insitut Teknologi Bisnis dan Administrasi Al Gazali Barru)
M. Akbar Akbar (Insitut Teknologi Bisnis dan Administrasi Al Gazali Barru)
Andi Muhammad Ishak Ismail Ishak (Insitut Teknologi Bisnis dan Administrasi Al Gazali Barru)
Safaruddin Safar (Insitut Teknologi Bisnis dan Administrasi Al Gazali Barru)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examines the challenges and opportunities in the formulation of Special Economic Zones policies in Indonesia to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This study uses a bibliometric approach with data sources obtained from the Dimensions database, where publications are selected based on the keyword "policy formulation" in the period 2015–2024. Data is analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer to identify research trends, thematic clusters, and relationships between key concepts. The results show that publications related to policy formulation have increased steadily until 2022, then decreased in the following years. In Special Economic Zones, the main challenges found include regulatory uncertainty, limited infrastructure, land acquisition, weak coordination between stakeholders, and the need for socio-environmental integration. Nevertheless, Special Economic Zones still have an important role in attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening regional competitiveness, and encouraging local economic development. The limitation of this research lies in the use of a single database, so further research needs to integrate various data sources as well as empirical approaches. Practically, the results of this study provide input for policymakers in designing Special Economic Zone policies that are more adaptive, contextual, and inclusive through improved governance, regulatory certainty, infrastructure readiness, and community involvement.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jspi

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Social Sciences

Description

The aim of this journal publication is to disseminate the conceptual thoughts or ideas and research results that have been achieved in the area of Social and Policy Issues. JSPI, particularly focuses on the Social and Policy Issues as follows: Social Development and Welfare, Decentralization and ...