Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government will invite Brunei`s businessmen to invest in "10 New Bali" during the Indonesia-Brunei Darussalam Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) meeting in Jakarta on Friday (July 20).

The meeting will be led by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and her Brunei counterpart Erywan Yusof, who will bring along a business delegation and team from related ministries and agencies.

"Indonesia has several tourism projects that can attract Brunei`s investors," Foreign Ministry`s Southeast Asia Director Denny Abdi noted during a press briefing in Jakarta, Wednesday.

One of the projects that Indonesia will offer to Brunei is the development of the Tanjung Lesung special economic zone in Banten, West Java.

Abdi remarked that Brunei had begun diversifying its economic resources from oil reserves to investment in various sectors, adding that the tourism industry is a strategic sector that in future will strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

As one of the 10 places being promoted as an upcoming tourist destination, Tanjung Lesung needs an investment of US$4 billion.

The total investment in Tanjung Lesung for 2017 has, so far, reached $127.53 million.

Promoting marine tourism as its charm, Tanjung Lesung will soon have a diving center, marina for yachts and cruises, golf course, park, market, and industry facility.

"For Brunei, we will be focusing on Tanjung Lesung. We also offer a site visit if they are interested to follow up on this cooperation," Abdi stated.

In addition to economic cooperation, the two governments will hold discussions on Indonesian workers in Brunei whose number reaches more than 80 thousand people, or some 20 percent of Brunei`s total population.

"Indonesians working in Brunei are part of the strong relations between the two countries, and our shared cultural similarities are factors due to which our workers are easily accepted by Brunei society," Abdi said.

The 4th Indonesia-Brunei Darussalam JCBC is a follow up meeting after Brunei`s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah had visited Indonesia in last May.

During a meeting with President Joko Widodo, both leaders discussed various bilateral issues, including economic cooperation and investment, as well as enhanced cooperation with regard to migrant workers.
(T.Y013/B/KR-BSR/F001) 18-07-2018 15:38:51

Reporter: Yashinta Difa Pramudyani
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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