TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia announced his institution will be the center for business licensing starting in early February as referred to the Presidential Instruction or Inpres No. 7 of 2019 concerning the acceleration of the ease of doing business.

The Inpres was issued in a bid to facilitate business that will boost investment, increase economic growth, and provide employment. "Because there were thoughts that the licensing process in the ministries hampers entrepreneurs, so it is now centered on BKPM," Bahlil said in his office, Jakarta, Wednesday, January 29.

He explained that his side has developed a system that is accessible to all permit applicants. Officials of 25 ministries and institutions who are capable of managing the technical licensing would also be employed in the agency.

"So applicants will no longer have to visit the technical department [of a ministry]. This is what entrepreneurs expect, and they need to be provided with positive space so they can gain profit and contribute to the country through taxes, including import tax on capital goods," Bahlil added.

Following the new mandate on business licensing, the agency's level of the non-ministerial institution is increased to a government one.

"Based on the President's (Jokowi) order, BKPM is strengthened to be an executing institution, becomes a government agency that will have the same facilities as a ministry," Bahlil concluded.

MUHAMMAD HENDARTYO