President Jokowi Meets with CEOs of Japanese Companies

President Jokowi meets with several CEOs of Japanese companies at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan, Wednesday (07/27) (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (07/27) met with a number of CEOs of Japanese companies at the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, Japan.

During the meeting, the President stated that Japan is one of the largest investors in Indonesia with quality investment. “I really appreciate the quality of Japanese investment. However, I also hope that Japanese investors will also consider the competitiveness so that they can compete with other investors in Indonesia,” the President said.

“In short, good quality and competitive price. That is what we expect and I believe Indonesia is still one of the best investment places,” he added.

As the fourth largest democracy in the world, President Jokowi stated that Indonesia has a good check and balance mechanism in their government system. Indonesia’s domestic politics is also very stable and the post-pandemic economic growth is also good, he added.

“Last year, our economy grew by 3.69 percent and the Q1 of this year the economy grew by 5.01 percent (y-o-y). Inflation can also be maintained at 4.35 percent. The fiscal deficit is also quite good, I think this year it will fall below 4,” he said.

In addition, Indonesia’s foreign exchange reserves are also at US$135 billion, equivalent to 6-7 months of import financing. Currently, investment is prioritized to establish a green economy including in energy transition.

“Currently, we are building a new capital. There are many investment opportunities, including infrastructure, technology to build smart cities, and others. We have also simplified investment policies through the Omnibus Law, the Job Creation Law so that all permits can be handled in a coordinated manner at the investment office,” he stated.

The President also invited the CEOs to contact Minister of Investment/Head of the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia on problems related to investment in Indonesia.

After visiting Tokyo, the President and First Lady Ibu Iriana will continue their working visit to Seoul, the Republic of Korea. The GIA-1 aircraft carrying the Head of State and the entourage will take off from Haneda Airport at around 18.30 local time. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (FI/MMB)