“We will receive investment of Rp 1 trillion [US$70.81 million]. IKEA will hold a groundbreaking ceremony [for the new outlet] in Kota Baru Parahyangan, West Bandung,” Emil said on Wednesday, following a meeting with Indonesian Ambassador to Sweden Bagas Hapsoro at his office.

“I will make serious efforts to help find the land, so IKEA will not go somewhere else,” he said.

Emil said IKEA's plans to open an outlet in Bandung reflected the good ties between the province and Sweden. He said he had been informed that IKEA saw good prospects in the retail furniture markets of West Bandung and nearby cities, particularly Cimahi and the provincial capital of Bandung.

The governor added that he planned to invite more Swedish businesses to invest in West Java, particularly in the three major industrial areas of Cirebon, Majalengka and Subang.

“We have [Kertajati] International Airport that serves the three areas, and we have been developing Patimban Port, which will support smooth [distribution] of our exports," said Emil.

Emil added that ambassador Bagas had also extended an invitation for West Java to participate in the Kampung Indonesia cultural festival, which would be held in Stockholm in July.

“Representatives from West Java took part in a similar event last year [and] were greatly welcomed by the [local] people. We plan to send a cultural delegation to [Sweden],” he said. (bbn)

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