BI Governor Invites Japanese Business to Invest in Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - BI Governor Perry Warjiyo stated in front of financial market players and investors in Tokyo that now is a good time to invest. Perry said that there are at least three main reasons to make investment in Indonesia.

First, Perry explained that Indonesia's condition remains stable in the middle of various global economic challenges. "This is reflected by Indonesia's economic growth, which remains positive, and stable financial system," Perry said as quoted from Bank Indonesia website on Friday, September 6, 2019.

The second reason is the strong commitment from the government to accelerate structural reformation, including infrastructures, industry, fiscal, and digital economy and finance. Meanwhile, the third reason according to Perry is the commitment from Bank Indonesia to provide real contribution for the Indonesian economy through various policies.

The meeting with Japanese market players is one of the agenda of Perry's work visit to Tokyo in the event of the inauguration of the Chief of Bank Indonesia Tokyo Representative Office Cause Iman Karana.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by figures and stakeholders of Bank Indonesia in Japan, among others, Bank of Japan, Financial Service Agency, International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank Institute, International University of Japan, SMBC Nikko Securities, SMBC Bank, MUFG Bank, and Nomura Securities.

In Tokyo, the Bank Indonesia Governor also met with the Governor of Bank of Japan (BoJ) Haruhiko Kuroda. The two officials discuss about central bank policies, especially a mixture of policies in the middle of the ongoing economic dynamics. Perry also handover the "Central Bank Policy: Theory and Practice", which he wrote, to Kuroda as a souvenir.

Previously, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo complained about the difficulties of applying for permits and licenses in Indonesia, causing investors to prefer neighboring countries. In a closed meeting on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, President Jokowi reminded the meeting attendants about the global economic slowdown.

"We know the global economic growth is experiencing a slowdown and possibilities for recession are getting bigger. Therefore, we need to prepare the umbrella," Jokowi said.

According to Jokowi, one of the quickest ways to anticipate weakening global economy is related to foreign direct investment. The President also requested all ministries related to economy to begin inventorying inhibiting regulations.

BISNIS