Qatar Ready To Investment IDR 1.2 Triliun Bangun Hotel In Labuan Bajo

Padar Island in Labuan Bajo. (Didi Kurniawan / VOI)

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir revealed that Qatar has committed to investing US$80 million or equivalent to Rp. 1.2 trillion (assuming an exchange rate of Rp. 15,100). Erick said the investment was to build a hotel in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

This investment is part of the government's program to make the implementation of the ASEAN Summit 2023 a success. Indonesia hosted the event, and Labuan Bajo was chosen as the venue for the event.

"Yesterday I went to Doha, Qatar There was an investment commitment of 80 million US dollars in Labuan Bajo Bangun hotel. So to Qatar, it's not watching football, but selling SOEs as well, selling investment," he told reporters, written on Sunday, January 15.

Erick said President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) not only encourages infrastructure development in tourist destinations to attract tourists. However, it also held an international event to promote the area.

"Mr. President has decided Labuan Bajo for the ASEAN Summit. So what is called a tourism destination by the President is encouraged not only hardware, infrastructure, but software. For example, when Bali was in a difficult condition, the President presented the G20 Summit, so that Bali grew," he said.

Erick said infrastructure development in Labuan Bajo was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even so, Erick is optimistic that the ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo will grow significantly investment through airport and port construction.

"Well, Labuan Bajo, this was delayed due to COVID. Now, the President has pushed for another ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo to be encouraged to invest whether the airport will be repaired later, the state-owned port has been built there," he said.

Even so, Erick hopes that infrastructure development will not only come from state-owned companies, but also from the private sector.

"Don't continue to expect SOEs from the private sector to encourage investment in Labuan Bajo, such as Bali," he said.