US Businesses Applaud Economic Improvements in Indonesia
20 October 2016 18:30 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States-ASEAN Business Council extends its appreciation towards the steps that have been taken by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla's government in reforming the country's economy.
Chief of the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Thomas Trikasih Lembong said that the compliment was delivered by representatives of the council in a meeting with President Jokowi today, October 20, 2016.
Thomas added that the US businesses hoped that efforts to reform the economy and infrastructure development will continue to be carried out. "[The representatives] appreciated licensing simplification. They even metioned about services improvements," Thomas said at the State Palace on Thursday, October 20, 2016.
Thomas added that investors saw Indonesia as a country with promising potential, especially with the country's five percent economic growth.
Thomas said that US-based investment may increase if the government can maintain economic reform. Investors expected economic reform to be carried out in regions across Indonesia, especially in the regional government.
However, the meeting failed to result in any form of commitment, including in terms of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). "It's only an [initial meeting] for 2017," Thomas said.
Deputy Ambassador of the United States for Indonesia Brian McFeeters, said that the meeting with President Jokowi does not discuss any specific issues. One of the major issue in the discussion was the possibilities to step up economic cooperation. "Business representatives talked about more things that can be done in Indonesia in the future," McFeeters said.
US-ASEAN Business Council President Alexander Feldman added that chances to improve economic partnership are not only open for the Indonesian government, but also Indonesian businesses. Feldman said that currently, there has not been any business or investment commitment made between the Indonesian government and its United States counterpart.
"We have nothing to announce. Although there are several [US-based] technology companies who are conducting research and establish [business] incubator," Feldman said.
ADITYA BUDIMAN