BKPM Sets New Investment Increase Target

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chairman of the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Franky Sibarani said that the investment target of 2015 will be supported by the enforcement of the online permit application system that was launched on Monday, December 15, 2014, and the One Stop Application Service (PTSP) that will enter into effect starting early next year. "We are certain that an investment growth of 15 percent can be achieved," he said.

Franky is optimistic that the Rp 519 trillion investment target can be achieved. The ease of permit application due to the new online system and the one stop service is guaranteed to attract investors’ interests. "The online system will be [translated to] various languages for foreign investors," said Franky.

Carmelita Hartoto, Deputy Chairman of Logistics Divison for the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), said that the investment target set by BKPM is achievable because of the improving investment climate, the increasing economy and currency exchange rates. "These conditions will result in better investment climate," she said on Monday, December 15, 2014.

Enny Sri Hartati, Director of the Institute for Development Economics and Finance (Indef), said that the 15 percent increase target is relatively small compared to last year, when investments increase by 20 percent without any support from the online permit system. Despite the new system, the target growth is considered to be too low. "It is a very pessimistic number," Enny said.

ANDI RUSLI