US Mulls Smart City Investment in Padang
24 June 2015 15:00 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The US government has expressed interest to invest in a smart city development in Padang. US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert O. Blake said the US was focusing on the development of smart cities, research and technology in several countries, including Indonesia.
“Technological advances and information are important to be used in managing cities. We are ready to cooperate,” said Blake on Tuesday, adding that a smart city concept is common in developed cities.
According to Blake, smart cities also play a role in supporting and developing cities to improve. Blake said he would follow up on possible US cooperation and investment in smart cities, research and technology in West Sumatera.
US investment to Indonesia last year decline sharply, causing the US to lose its position from the five largest investors in Indonesia under Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, China and South Korea. According to Blake, the decline was due to the cancellation of many plans after the change of government in Indonesia.
However, Blake promised he would increase cooperation in several sectors. The US has also pledge to increase its investment in Indonesia during several international meetings. “At the end of this year, President Jokowi will meet with President Barack Obama. I think there will be many investment opportunities, especially in energy,” said Blake.
Padang Mayor Mahyeldi Ansharullah said the Padang city government was prioritizing smart city development to support technology and information-based city. “We work with Telkom as the network provider so that all agencies have an integrated system and city management will be easier,” said Mahyeldi.
Mahyeldi said improvement of several public facilities, transportation services, ease of tax payment and other facilities are priorities for the smart city development.
BISNIS.COM