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Don't let sectarianism affect investment, says BKPM head
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Investment Coordinating Board head Thomas Lembong (second right) speaks to journalists during a press briefing on Jan. 4. (JP/Grace D. Amianti)
I
nvestment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head Thomas Lembong has urged the nation to remain focused on reforming the economy to boost investment.
He expressed hope that rising sectarianism as seen in a recent series of demonstrations against incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who is a double minority — a Christian of Chinese descent — would not continue as it could affect investment.
"Don't let this heated political battle in Jakarta [that has triggered sectarianism] disrupt our focus on reforming the economy. We need to maintain good sentiments for investors. Don't let the effects spill over to investment," he said.
Direct investment from local and foreign businesses reached Rp 612.8 trillion (US$45.97 billion) in 2016, a 12.4 percent increase from Rp 545.4 trillion realized in 2015 and 3 percent beyond the year's target of Rp 594.8 trillion.
(Read also: Coping with growing intolerance in Indonesia)
The figure shows positive growth and investor confidence in Indonesia, despite the global economic slowdown.
The top three investing countries in 2016 were Singapore with $9.1 billion, Japan with $5.4 billion — almost double its investment in 2015 of $2.8 billion — and China with $2.6 billion.
China’s investment was four times its investment in 2015 of $628.3 million. (bbn)
