BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital City’s (IKN) renewable energy project has gained interest from Brunei’s oil and gas industry, said Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Sujatmiko during an investment forum at the Rizqun International Hotel recently.
He said the investors’ interest stems from IKN’s location in Borneo. The ambassador also underlined the importance of connectivity of the three countries – Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia – sharing the island.
The forum organised by the Indonesian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam saw the attendance of representatives from banks, corporations and Brunei Investment Agency (BIA).
It saw speakers – Indonesian Ministry of National Development Planning’s Deputy for Regional Development Dr Ir Himawan Hariyoga; Ministry of Investment’s Deputy for Investment Planning Indra Darmawan; and Indonesia Infrastructure Guarantee Fund’s (IIGF) Senior Vice President of Underwriting Guarantee II Division Ahmad Zaki Arifin.
Dr Ir Himawan Hariyoga said, “Indonesia aspires to become one of the developed countries and the fifth largest economy in the world by 2045, coinciding with 100 years of Indonesian independence. The development of the new capital city is one of Indonesia’s Economic Transformation strategies to achieve these goals.”
Indra Darmawan noted that the Indonesian government is preparing a number of incentives to encourage foreign investment in IKN more attractive than those on offer to domestic investors.
Among the investment opportunities for Bruneian investors include the construction of six health amenities, four educational facilities, three office buildings or business centres, five mixed complexes and three residential areas.
To date, Nusantara Capital Authority has received more than 70 Letters of Interest to invest in IKN from potential investors. The government also offers investment guarantees in infrastructure through IIGF, whose mandate has been expanded to guarantee infrastructure development in IKN.
The forum concluded with a question-and-answer session.