Keidanren Interested in Investing in Indonesia

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has said the visit of the members of Japanese business association (Keidanren) to the Industries Ministrys office shows their high interest in investing in Indonesia.

"Japan currently has issues with China, so Japanese businesspeople really want to cooperate with Indonesia as their investment destination," General Chairman of Kadin Suryo Bambang Sulisto said here on Thursday.

According to Suryo, Japan consider Indonesia as its main investment destination in Asia. The Chairman noted that Indonesia needs to provide support and facilitate Japanese business necessities in the country so that Japanese investment is not diverted to other countries.

"It is fine if the Japanese business corporation dominates the Indonesian market. However, I will ask them to accelerate technology transfer to improve the ability and quality of Indonesias human resources," Suryo remarked.

Suryo added that the most important challenge in developing industries in Indonesia is constructing supporting industries, as many industries here are still dependent on imported raw materials. The chairman observed it is important to build industries that supply supporting products to domestic firms. "We have delivered the message to Keidanren so that they are informed that Indonesias priority is to lessen the deficit of its current account," Suryo pointed out.

According to Suryo, Japanese corporations have been dominating the Indonesian market, particularly the automotive sector, in which it covers 95 percent of the market. Keidanren is the most influential business association in Japan. The Japanese Government often involves Keidanren while formulating economic policies for the country.

The Keidanren delegation in Indonesia was led by its Chairman Sadayuki Sakakibara. Some 19 members of Keidanren accompanied Sadayuki to Indonesia. The delegation consisted of the leaders of corporations in the field of chemical industry, automotive, food and beverages, iron, electronics, insurance, and airways. Meanwhile, Indonesian Industrial Minister Saleh Husin was accompanied to the meeting by Suryo and several officials from the ministry. (WDY)