Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) will utilize the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank (WB) in Nusa Dua, Bali, this month to discuss the development of natural disaster-resistant infrastructure.

The BKPM will cooperate with PT Bank HSBC Indonesia to organize an infrastructure forum at Ayana Hotel in Bali on Oct 11 as an event on the sidelines of the IMF-WB annual meeting, BKPM Chief Thomas Lembong stated at a press conference here on Wednesday.

"The HSBC-BKPM event will discuss the issue of infrastructure financing. The interesting aspect is how to ensure natural disaster-resistant infrastructure. I personally want to capitalize on the opportunity offered by the IMF-WB meeting to discuss the aspects of natural disaster," he explained.

In view of the country`s growing economy and geographical conditions, the issue of disaster mitigation should draw attention, in terms of funding, and the financial sector, in general, he noted.

The time has come for Indonesia to take a cue from the disastrous earthquake in Lombok Island and the magnitude-7.4 earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Palu City and Donggala District, Central Sulawesi Province, by building earthquake-resistant infrastructure, he stated.

The development of facilities and infrastructure, including electricity and telecommunications, should focus on earthquake-resistant structure, he pointed out.

Once earthquake- and tsunami-affected infrastructure enters the reconstruction phase, the buildings must meet the standard qualifications of being resistant to natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and typhoons, he emphasized.

In terms of financing, the disaster mitigation industry can begin with innovation in financial products, such as insurance against disaster, he stated.

The infrastructure forum is expected to encourage the private sector to play a role in developing the country`s infrastructure.


Reporting by Mentari Dwi Gayati
Editing by Suharto

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Suharto
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