TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and the National Police signed a work guide to ensure protections and securities for the business sector.

BKPM head Thomas Trikasih Lembong said that investment activities must be continuously supported to improve the country’s economy.

“Investment is the driving force of the economic growth in the next three years,” Thomas said at the BKPM office in Jakarta on Monday, September 19, 2016.

According to Thomas, other economic boosters would no longer have significant impacts on the economy, as the government cut budgets to compensate the missed revenue target. In addition, exports slowdown was predicted to continue this year.

Another factor that contributes to the economic growth, Thomas added, is the consumption sector. However, he explained that it has reached its maximum contribution.

Thomas revealed that the global economic slowdown had triggered a competition among countries to provide incentives for investors.

National Police chief Tito Karnavian said that Indonesia needs to create a supporting investment climate in order to be competitive. He suggested that such an investment climate could be realized through promotion, permit simplification, and infrastructure assurance, as well as legal and security assurances.

“Police will ensure that the last two promises are delivered,” he said.

Tito explained that the National Police would provide assistance during a strike or to eradicate thugs, “both real thugs and thugs in uniforms.”

During a meeting with the BKPM, Tito was accompanied by ten police chiefs from regions with huge investment potentials, such as Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Banten, Riau Islands, and South Sulawesi. He called on his subordinates to support the government in boosting investments in the country

VINDRY FLORENTIN