A cooperation agreement for it was signeg here on Wednesday Qatar Investment Authority CEO Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani and Coordinating Indonesian Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.
"We just now signed the investment cooperation agreement worth US$500 million. As an initial step they would build a five-star hotel in Mandalika (West Nusa Tenggara)," Luhut said.
He said QIA has also expressed commitment to invest in the development of a number of priority tourist destinations in Indonesia. They wished to participate in the development of hotels to airports.
"They wish to be involved in the development of 10 new Bali destinations. However I have suggested five destinations first which we are now preparing," he said.
The five new destinations are Lake Toba (North Sumatra), Banyuwangi (East Java), Labuan Bajo (East Nusa Tenggara), Borobudur (Central Java) and Mandalika (Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara).
Qatar has also expressed interest to open direct flight to Banda Aceh and build an aquaculture in Sabang.
"They have asked for Banda Aceh. We have offered an aquaculture development project in Sabang and they accepted it. The distance between Doha and Sabag is only a five hour flight and therefore they have accepted it," Luhut said.
On the defense sector he said Qatar has also expressed wish to invest in the development of ships, special rubbet boat for the military and production of bullets.
He said the memorandum of understanding that was signed was the follow up of the countries` talks several months ago.
Sheik Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud has high hope with the cooperation commitment.
"Indonesia`s plan to develop its tourism industry has created an opportunity for us to strengthen our investment portfolio across the world especially in the tourism sector. We hope we can cooperate with the office of the coordinating minister for maritime affairs in identifying and developing projects that wikk make Indonesia become one of the world`s main tourist destinations," he said.
Reported by Ade Irma Junida
Editing by Yos Haryadi
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Otniel Tamindael
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
