TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Collaboration to sustain a favorable investment climate in Banten
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Deputy for Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Investment/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Nurul Ichwan. (Courtesy of Communi & Co)
T
he Investment Ministry/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) has urged the Banten provincial government to maintain a conducive and healthy investment climate, ensuring investors feel comfortable and do not withdraw. This follows complaints from investors about frequent requests for donations or other contributions from certain groups.
BKPM deputy for investment promotion Nurul Ichwan highlighted that investor discomfort could negatively impact the business environment, potentially leading to rising unemployment. He noted that the presence of companies drives job creation and employment opportunities, including for local communities.
"Once again, I emphasize that the local community must understand that business is business. Therefore, please foster empathy toward those who work there so that they, and their families in need of food and education, can benefit from the investment," Ichwan told the Banten Investment Forum 2024, held at the JHL Solitaire Hotel in Gading Serpong, Tangerang, on Oct. 29.
Ichwan emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in protecting the investment climate. Without a shared commitment, the province's economic conditions could deteriorate. "We must prevent any harm to the favorable investment climate. If investors feel disturbed, they may choose to leave Banten, undermining employment efforts," he cautioned.
Meanwhile, Virgojanti, head of the Banten Provincial Investment and Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP), called on Banten residents to be more open to investment. She stressed that if all stakeholders work together, Banten could become a prime investment destination, greatly benefiting the local economy and communities.
Virgojanti added that the Banten government would maintain good communication with the business sector to ensure a healthy investment environment. "If issues arise, we will facilitate solutions for investors and encourage businesses to engage with local communities, ensuring they share the benefits of investment," she said.
The Banten Investment Forum 2024 aimed to bring together business players, prospective investors, financial institutions, local government and the community, welcoming input from economic stakeholders on investment opportunities and recommendations to enhance Banten’s investment services.
The event spotlighted discussions on investment opportunities, upcoming economic challenges and green economy initiatives. Awards were presented to mayors and regents for their role in fostering growth and facilitating investment in Banten. Virgojanti reiterated, "Investment realization is only achievable through collaboration."
The forum also featured memorandums of understanding between large corporations and several MSMEs in Banten, along with the introduction of the investment brand “Banten Gold.” Virgojanti explained that Banten Gold represents Banten’s vast, yet under-recognized, investment potential.
The event concluded with the issuance of business registration numbers (NIB) to MSMEs and in-depth discussions for investors on opportunities in Banten’s investment landscape, including the Tanjung Lesung Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the PIK 2 National Strategic Project and the BSD City Integrated SEZ. “Investment potential in Banten remains substantial. In addition to manufacturing, the property, tourism and services sectors offer golden opportunities for investors,” she affirmed.
