The inflow of investments will create more job opportunities, and it means more people will have jobs."
Bekasi (ANTARA News) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is optimistic that the automotive industry would attract more investors and grow over 10 percent annually.

"Indonesias automotive industry is more competitive now and is growing on an average of more than 10 percent," he remarked in Bekasi on Tuesday.

President Jokowi expressed optimism in his remarks at the opening ceremony of PT Mitsubishi Motor Krama Yudha Indonesia (MMKI) at the Greenland International Center, Central Cikarang, Bekasi District, West Java.

"With such a large market, I am certain that more investments will flow into the automotive sector of Indonesia, as we have a large market, and greater the investments, more employment opportunities will be available," he emphasized.

President Jokowi lauded Mitsubishi Motors commitment to increasing its investment by setting up a new plant in Indonesia, which will be able to offer jobs to around three thousand people.

"This can provide employment to some three thousand people. Once again, three thousand job opportunities," the president pointed out.

Hence, Jokowi is committed to easing the flow of investments, particularly in the automotive sector, considering its impacts on the economic growth.

"The inflow of investments will create more job opportunities, and it means more people will have jobs," he stated.

However, the president highlighted the importance of the quality of human resources to meet the high standards of the automotive industry.

He pointed out that the government is taking steps to boost economic development by providing skilled manpower through vocational schools.

"Here, we will strengthen vocational education, vocational schools, as well as vocational training, entrepreneurship, and the labor market," he affirmed.

"The government will continue to implement policies that link and match or job matching between vocation and the industry," the president noted.

Investment in industry will also allow the transfer of technology and knowledge to Indonesia. Hence, President Widodo has urged the employees to use the opportunity extensively.

"I hope you will also pay attention to the transfer of technology and knowledge. Continue conducting trainings for the local human resources, and it will be better if the Japanese work ethics, such as high discipline, can be imbibed by Indonesian human resources," he said.

"Do not hesitate to involve the Indonesian people in creating new innovations, as they are all actually smart," added Jokowi.

In addition, President Jokowi is optimistic that the automotive industry would begin developing its export market.

"The local or domestic market is large, but we also need to focus on the export market to achieve a balance," he pointed out.

Some VIP guests also attended the opening ceremony with President Jokowi, including Minister of Industry Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Head of the Investment Coordinating Board Thomas Lembong, Vice Minister of Finance Mardiasmo, Vice Governor of West Java Deddy Mizwar, and Chairman of Mitsubishi Motors Carlos Ghosn.

(Reporting by Agus Salim/Uu.A060/INE/KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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