President Jokowi Receives Japanese Business Delegation

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received a 46-member delegation from the Japanese Business Association (Keidanren) here at his office on Wednesday.

"This visit is a follow-up to the meeting between the president and Japanese businessmen in Japan recently," Indonesian Ambassador Yusron Ihsa Mahendra stated after accompanying the delegation in the meeting with the president.

He noted that several issues were discussed during the meeting including infrastructure development, electricity, and licensing. "Their immediate presence in Indonesia, which is close to the presidents recent visit (to Japan), indicates how important Indonesia is to them," he pointed out.

Keidanren Chairman Sadayuki Sakakibara stated that Japans investment in Indonesia would be increased in the future. "Japan is the first country or the nation with the highest investment in Indonesia. In 2014, its investment fell to the second spot, but a lot of investment has come from Japan. In 2015, Japan wishes to become the country with the highest investment in Indonesia," he emphasized.

Sadayuki noted that Indonesia is not only a consumer market or a seller of its goods but also plays the role of an important country that provides goods needed globally, especially in the manufacturing sector.

He emphasized that Japan is keen to invest in infrastructure development including steam-powered, geothermal power, hydropower, and gas-powered electricity plants.

Sadayuki had reported several obstacles that hindered investment in Indonesia to President Joko Widodo including inadequate infrastructure such as ports, roads, electricity supply, and traffic congestion. Sadayuki pointed out that besides meeting the president, the Keindaren delegation will also meet Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel during their two-day visit to Indonesia. (WDY)