TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Banten provincial government and the Australia-Indonesia Business Council (AIBIC) continue to develop the Teluk Naga integrated industrial zone. Right now, a feasibility study is being prepared for the 700-hectare zone.

In the early stages, the AIBIC will invest for the construction of a 3x450 MW gas power plant. Later, the project's ownership will belong to PT Banten Global Development (BGD) as a Banten province-owned enterprise, while the AIBIC will coordinate several Australian companies as other investors.

According to the Banten's Investment Coordinating Board and Integrated Services (BKPMT) chief Babar Suharso, the AIBIC is group of several Australian companies engaged in a variety of industries like energy, ships, and marine products.

"The gas power plant will serve as an infrastructure that sustains this industrial area's operation. Gradually we will also build roads, and sewage treatments," Babar said in Jakarta, Tuesday, October 11.

The Banten provincial government is targeting the feasibility study to be completed within six to nine months.

The development of an integrated industrial area in Tangerang regency is also planned for a specific function of the agribusiness industry. This is to follow up with the Australian Government's plan to build a special port for livestock.

"In addition to the gas power plant, Australia has also been investing in the metal processing industry in the area, as well as in a cow-fattening—with an investment value of Rp100 billion. Australia and Banten, especially, have the same interest in agribusiness, so this is an opportunity for us," he said.

In the first half of 2016, Banten Province has actualized Rp4.9 trillion worth of domestic investments (PMDN) for 241 projects, and US$1.65 million worth of foreign direct investments (FDI) for 1,105 projects.

BISNIS.COM