Jakarta, (Antara) - Capital Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Chief Franky Sibarani expressed optimism that President Joko Widodo's (Jokowi's) visit to Germany would encourage investors in the country to make Indonesia their investment destination.
"German Chancellor Angela Markel said Indonesia had the potential to serve as a gateway for German investors to later gain entry into the ASEAN," Sibarani stated in a press release here on Tuesday.
He explained that President Jokowi's visit had several positive outcomes in terms of investment, including the German government viewing Indonesia as a potential investment destination.
During the visit, a business cooperation agreement was signed between Indonesia and Germany, including investment worth US$800 million, or Rp10 trillion at an exchange rate of Rp12.5 thousand per dollar, for the construction of a smelter in Sulawesi.
Sibarani affirmed that such cooperation indicated the seriousness of German companies to invest in Indonesia.
He expressed hope that through the signing of the cooperation agreement, the investment project would be realized soon. Moreover, value-added industries, such as smelters, are one of the government's priorities.
"They have finalized a location for investment in Sulawesi," Sibarani stated, adding that President Jokowi's meeting with the corporate leaders of Germany could boost German investor confidence in Indonesia.(*)
