President Jokowi Receives US-ASEAN Business Council Delegation

President Joko Widodo receives a delegation from the US-ASEAN Business Council or the US-ASEAN Business Council at the State Palace, Jakarta on Wednesday (24/8/2022). ANTARA/Kris - Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo received a delegation from the US-ASEAN Business Council or the US-ASEAN Business Council at the State Palace, Jakarta.

Investment Minister/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia who accompanied President Jokowi said the delegates appreciated President Jokowi's leadership in handling the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.

"In general, they thanked Mr. President Jokowi for his leadership in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic," Bahlil said in his statement at the State Palace in Jakarta, Wednesday, August 24.

In addition, Bahlil revealed that the delegates also expressed their gratitude for the ease of doing business provided by the Indonesian government so that their business in Indonesia could continue despite the conditions of global uncertainty due to the pandemic.

"This is evidenced by one of them, our economic growth is 5.4 percent and inflation is below 5 percent. On average, they all appreciate the leadership of the President, even though we know that in global conditions, the global economy is not too good," added Bahlil.

During the meeting, President Jokowi invited the delegates to invest their capital in energy projects and green industries which are currently the concern of the Indonesian government. In addition, the Head of State also invited delegates to invest in other sectors such as health and digital.

"The President also invited them to come to Indonesia. Indonesia is now entering into 'green energy, green industry'. Then the President also invited them to invest in the health sector, digital," said Bahlil.

Furthermore, Bahlil explained that the meeting also discussed the proactive steps taken in case of technical problems in the field.

According to Bahlil, President Jokowi said that the Indonesian government would take comprehensive steps in order to maintain better investment conditions.

"Earlier, the President also said that we would take comprehensive, measurable steps in order to accelerate and improve investment conditions," he added.

Bahlil said that President Jokowi also appreciated the US investment in Indonesia which was getting better.

"Now in our data (US investment) it is number 4 after China," said Bahlil.