Visiting Uncle Sam's Country, President Prabowo Encourages US Companies To Invest In RI

President Prabowo Subianto (left) accompanied by Foreign Minister Sugiono (left) and Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM Rosan Roeslani (right) spoke with United States Indonesia Society (Usindo) President David Merrill (right). (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto encouraged investment from US companies in a meeting with members of The United States - Indonesia Society (USINDO) corporations in Washington DC, United States, Monday 11 November, local time.

During the meeting, Prabowo had a direct dialogue with a number of leaders of large US companies that had long invested in Indonesia, including Freeport, Chevron, General Electric, Badminton, and other leading companies.

The President expressed his joy at the enthusiasm of US companies to continue to contribute to Indonesia's economic development.

"They are very involved in the Indonesian economy and Indonesia's development. They have been in Indonesia for a long time and they continue to believe in Indonesia, with the Indonesian economy, and I also encourage them to continue to invest in participating in our development plan," Prabowo said in a press release, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, November 12.

The Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board Rosan Roeslani, who attended the meeting, added that discussions were running productively.

President Prabowo also emphasized his attitude towards the issue of corruption which he called a kanker' for the economy.

President Prabowo stressed that there is no tolerance for corruption at all levels. This statement was welcomed by USINDO's corporate members who attended.

"He even said that if there were corruption or problems, for example, direct contact with him and this was a very positive message, very clear, and they responded very easily, very straight forward to the explanation from Mr. President Prabowo today," said Rosan.

During the meeting, the issue of renewable energy also received special attention. Several large energy companies even expressed their interest in investing in carbon and geothermal capture technology to support Indonesia's net zero emissions target.

"And the most important thing will reduce complicated bureaucracy so that investment entering Indonesia also brings goodness to all Indonesian people," said Rosan.

Meanwhile, US Deputy Ambassador who also serves as USINDO adviser Ted Osius expressed his appreciation for the openness and pro-business promoted by President Prabowo.

In fact, he will also bring a number of American business leaders to Indonesia in early December.

"We are very happy because we have a very pro-business president in Indonesia, who really welcomes us and conveyed very clearly in this discussion how he will welcome US businesses and businesses from other countries," said Ted Osius.

Also attending to accompany President Prabowo at the meeting were Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board Rosan Roeslani, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Stella Christie, and KUAI of the Indonesian Embassy in Washington DC Ida Bagus Made Bimantara.