New Criminal Code Not Expected to Affect Tourism Investment, Says Minister

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, has said he believes that the newly passed Criminal Code (KUHP), specifically its provisions on live-in relationships, will not affect tourism and creative economy investment in Indonesia.

"I am very confident that we can get US$6–8 billion (in foreign investment), and we can create 2 million jobs in this sector. But, of course, we need support," he informed on Saturday.

"Because investors need legal opinion before they invest. This legal opinion must give them confidence that investing in Indonesia is safe," he explained.

While expressing his belief that the Criminal Code will not affect investment in Indonesia, he said that his ministry will still need support and assistance in terms of legal certainty to convince investors to invest.

In order to absorb aspirations, especially those of investors, regarding the Criminal Code, Uno has also met with foreign investor associations from the United States and promised to carry out mitigation.

He has also coordinated with other related ministries or institutions, including the police, to disseminate information about the substance of the Criminal Code.

Investors will consider how uncertainty can be suppressed so that the potential profit from their investment would increase and affect economic performance, Uno informed. Meanwhile, the employment target can also be realized through investment.

Therefore, he said the government will try to increase foreign investment by US$6–8 billion through the tourism sector in five super-priority destinations—Toba, Borobudur, Mandalika, Labuan Bajo, and Likupang.

"In addition, there are also destinations that are considered potential, such as Belitung, Tanjung Lesung, Bromo, Semeru, Morotai, Wakatobi, and Raja Ampat," he said.

The articles of the Criminal Code that have recently attracted the attention of foreign tourists, including investors, are Article 411 concerning adultery, Article 412 concerning live-in relationships, and Article 424 concerning drinks and intoxicants.

ANTARA

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