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Indonesia pledges to safeguard investments as Covid-19 fears grow
The expected decline in Chinese investment would contrast with last year’s achievement, when foreign direct investment (FDI) from China grew almost twofold to $4.7 billion from $2.4 billion in 2018.
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Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head Bahlil Lahadalia (left) and Batam Indonesia Free Trade Zone Authority (BP Batam) head Muhammad Rudi pose for a picture after signing a memorandum of understanding on the implemention of the Indonesia-Batam OSS System (IBOSS) in Jakarta on Monday, March 9. (JP/Eisya A. Eloksari )
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ndonesian authorities have provided assurances to investors that they will be shielded from potential disruptions amid the coronavirus outbreak that has discouraged investment into the country.
Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head Bahlil Lahadalia met with the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) chief, Insp. Gen. Listryo Sigit Prabowo, on Monday to announce that the department would deploy a team to Batam, Riau Islands, to guard investments in the area.
Bahlil said he would also work with the National Police to safeguard investments, especially in "crucial areas" like Batam.
"We have to be cohesive in building our country and maintaining our economic system. That's why all of the country's institutions, including the police, will help if there are any problems," Bahlil said.
The release further continued, "The BKPM head gives his assurance that investors still trust Indonesia. This is the message we want to convey to the public, especially businesspeople, so that they won't need to worry that the coronavirus is the end of everything."
The message was intended to provide reassurance as investment into Indonesia declines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The BPKM boss added that investment from China was expected to decline amid the pandemic, adding that the agency was currently seeking to maximize the potential of domestic investment.
