Investment in the Printing Industry Grows

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -The number of investments in the national printing industry continue to grow. However, the number still falls short from the number recorded in Thailand. "Thailand is one step above Indonesia. They are able to build a printing city due to the support of the government," said President of Indonesia's Graphics Union Jimmy Junianto yesterday.

Last year, export value of the graphics industry in Indonesia reached US$ 206 million, some US$ 100 million short of Thailand's US$ 333 million export value. "The national paper industry is claimed to be the biggest in ASEAN with an abundance of raw materials. But it is still unable to compete with Thailand," he said.

Nevertheless, Jimmy is optimistic that next year, Indonesia will be able to increase investment in the graphics industry by seven to eight percent, or equals to US$ 10 million. The average use of paper reached 32 kilograms per capita annually. Jimmy said that the printing industry will grow in accordance with Indonesia's economy. Many of the investors in the printing sector hoped that the new government can guarantee a fair investment climate and improve the infrastructure.

He also said that the US$34.7 billion of fund allocated for the education sector in the 2015 State Budget Draft will surely benefit the printing industry as some of the budget will be allocated for books. He added that the printing industry in 2015 can have up to US$2.1 billion from the allocated budget.

PRASETYO DHARMA | HUSSEIN ABRI YUSUF