Indonesian president urges Japan to not miss out on attractive investment opportunities

Indonesian President Joko Widodo implored Japanese businesses on Tuesday to raise their investment in Indonesia, stating that they should not miss out on the chance as the nation's economy and population are expanding at a rapid rate.

Speaking at a business conference hosted by Japan External Trade Organization, Widodo said Indonesia is planning a massive overhaul of its infrastructure, spanning ports, airports, roads and high-speed railway networks, and, as such, the potential for businesses' high returns on investments is large.

"I do not want you to miss the chance," Widodo said to an audience of more than 1,000 business leaders congregated in Tokyo, adding, "Indonesia is a very attractive country as the nation's economy is likely to keep expanding. I am looking forward to your further investment in Indonesia."

The Indonesian president, who took office last December, expressed the virtues of Indonesia, including the fact that it is a politically stable nation, with a rapidly increasing, large population of more than 200 million. He said leading economists predict that the region, including its underdeveloped rural areas, would post GDP growth of around seven percent in the future.

Widodo's sentiments were backed by former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who now heads up the Japan Indonesia Association, who said the region presented a great investment opportunity due to its location and population growth potential.

"Indonesia is attractive as a hub of production and exports in Asia, with the country's population expected to continue growing," Fukuda said.

At a separate seminar organized by the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren as it's known here, and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Keidanren Chairman Sadayuki Sakakibara stated that Japan's business leaders were in favor of boosting economic ties with Indonesia and that companies here would commit to providing technology and expertise to help Indonesia develop its infrastructure.

In addition, Sakakibara said Japan could assist in transferring its know-how and technical expertise through training and education programs and added that the Keidanren will send a delegation to Indonesia in April to discuss infrastructure investment and training programs in more detail.

Suryo Bambang Sulisto, the chairman of Indonesia's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for his part, said he had high hopes for deepening economic ties with Japan.

In terms of deepening bilateral ties, a summit held Monday between Widodo and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, concluded with a joint statement being issued, agreeing on their "mutually beneficial economic partnership" and joint pledge to "contribute to the economic development not only of their countries but also of the entire region."

After Singapore, Japan is Indonesia's biggest investor and has more than 1,400 firms operating there. For Indonesia's part, Japan is its largest export market.

The Indonesian leader will head to Nagoya in central Japan on Wednesday, where he will visit the headquarters of Toyota Motor Corp. as the automaker may be looking to boost its investment in Indonesia. The trip from Tokyo will also give Widodo a chance to experience Japan's shinkansen (bullet train) high-speed train technology, as Indonesia is also looking to upgrade its rail networks. Endi