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Anti-Ahok ralles won't affect foreign investment: BKPM
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Confident pitch: President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo delivers remarks on Nov. 29 in front of hundreds of participants of the 2016 Forbes Global CEO Conference in Jakarta, in which he highlighted the government’s numerous efforts to attract investors to the country, including by streamlining procedures to obtain business permits. (Presidential Office/Press Bureau)
T
he Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) reassured foreign investors on Thursday that Indonesia’s heated political situation will not affect their investment portfolios in the country, highlighting President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo administration’s pro-business stance.
BKPM chief Thomas “Tom” Lembong said he had initially thought the current situation would deter foreign investors from putting their money in Southeast Asia’s largest economy before later discovering that most had decided to realize their investment commitments.
“After having discussions with some investors, there is not the slightest indication that they will back off from their business. They have strong commitments and they support Jokowi’s pro-investment policies,” he said.
Indonesia has seen political tensions heating up over the past several weeks after violence marred a large-scale rally on Nov. 4 staged to demand the criminal prosecution of gubernatorial candidate and incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Thahaja Purnama on allegations of blasphemy.
Another large-scale mass gathering is planned to be held on Friday to call for the arrest of Ahok.
Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman Rosan P Roeslani previously said that foreign investors understood all the risks of investing in Indonesia.
“So, the rally has not undermined investors’ faith. The truth is, they are more afraid of the government’s inconsistent policies that could reduce their ability to produce and grow,” he said. (adt/hwa)
