June 2, 2023
JAKARTA – Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan on Wednesday encouraged Singapore-based investors to invest in infrastructure projects at Indonesia’s planned new capital Nusantara in East Kalimantan.
Luhut told Singaporean businessman visiting the planned site of Nusantara on Wednesday that although 17 countries had pledged their intention to invest in the new capital, Singapore could play a key role due to its proximity to Indonesia.
“As the nearest neighboring country Singapore is a strategic partner to be involved in the development of Nusantara. And that’s why I want all of you to quickly realize your investment plans,” Luhut told the visiting Singaporean business delegation.
The Indonesian Embassy in Singapore organized a trip for 130 businessmen from the city state, the largest delegation ever to visit the site of the new capital.
Joining Luhut on the site visit were Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Authority head Bambang Susantono, Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo and Singapore’s Ambassador to Indonesia Kwok Fook Seng.
In early May, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo appointed Luhut as the head of a task force set up to accelerate investment realization for Nusantara.
Luhut’s job is to coordinate relevant agencies managing the work of bringing in investment to projects in and around Nusantara.
President Jokowi said in late May that he had secured investment commitments from Japanese organizations for the Nusantara project during the Group of Seven Summit in Hiroshima.
On the sidelines of the summit on May 22, Jokowi met with 33 Japanese delegates comprising three government officials and representatives from 24 companies, four business associations and two financial institutions.