Indonesian government has added Likupang in North Sulawesi Province into lists of its special economic zones (SEZ) through government regulation number 84 of 2019. The rules were officially promulgated on December 10, 2019. With the new regulation, the ​​197.4 hectares zones have fulfilled the criteria and requirements as SEZ.

The government set Likupang as one of the country’s tourism zone. The North Minahasa Regent is mandated to establish a business entity developing and managing the zones within 90 days and must be ready to operate within a maximum of three years from the enactment of the regulation.