TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Despite the distrust from many foreign investors in Indonesia, Australian has reconfirmed its commitment to make investment in Indonesia. Led by Australian Minister of Trade Mark Vaile, the Australian Trade Mission signed several memorandums of understanding (MoU) with Indonesia.
Sixteen companies under Austin Australia group have agreed to invest A$ 550 million in Indonesia. The sectors in which they will invest include agro-business, mining, manufacturing and energy, transportation, logistic and finance.
“We’re delighted that they’re bringing in A$550 million. This is a good start,” Indonesian Minister of Industry and Trade Luhut B. Panjaitan said during the signing of the MoU at Regent Hotel in Jakarta today, February 16.
The MoU was signed by Austin Australia, PT Wirasapi and PT Satyamitra Surya Perkasa. The MoU also mentions Austin Australia’s commitment to make further investment in Indonesia up to A$ 1.3 billion within the next five years.
Panjaitan expressed his hopes that the trade and investment cooperation would continue and actualize. For this purpose, President Abdurrahman Wahid is scheduled to visit Australia in April. Prior to the visit, the government will announce bigger amount of Australian investment. “Just wait [for it],” Panjaitan said.
Meanwhile, Minister Mark Vaile said that the signing of the MoU signing was result of the Australian-Indonesian Ministerial Forum held last December in Canberra, Australia. The current Australian Trade Mission, according to Vaile, is aiming at improving the business relationship between the two countries and reconfirming Australian government’s support toward the new round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) talks.
Vaile said that Australian-Indonesian trade volume had reached A$ 5.6 billion last year. He expected the number would increase in the upcoming years. On its visit to Indonesia, the trade mission—which consists of several Australian top business executives—has also met with state officials and businessmen in Jakarta.
