We responded to them, one by one [...]. We noted that Indonesia, akin to any other country in the world, would always strive to strike a balance between its economic development and maintaining environmental sustainability as well as social welfareJakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahendra Siregar, on Friday, declined the suggestion of some 59 investors on the newly approved Omnibus Law, especially pertaining to its environmental and labor issues.
"The government received, and we all knew, open letters from at least 59 business entities comprising 36 of the portfolio sector and 23 of export product buyers association," Siregar stated during the Indonesia-Latin America and Caribia virtual meeting.
"We responded to them, one by one [...]. We noted that Indonesia, akin to any other country in the world, would always strive to strike a balance between its economic development and maintaining environmental sustainability as well as social welfare," he emphasized.
Siregar pointed out that the suggestion put forth by investors is "either a misunderstanding of the bill" or they read "the translated version of the bill," which he opined might have been incomplete and taken out of context.
The bill was passed in the parliament on Monday, October 5, after endorsement by seven out of the nine political parties, while two others declined.
This Omnibus Law amends several laws on environmental issues, including Law Number 32 of 2009 on environment protection and management as well as Law Number 41 of 2009 on forestry. On the labor issue, the Omnibus Law has scrapped several articles of Law Number 13 of 2003 on manpower.
"As we go underway with some improvements and maintain fundamental elements of the revised bills, we always remain consistent with the objectives of the United Nations' Framework Convention on Climate Change, biological diversity, economic and social-cultural rights, and some conventions of the International Labour Organization," Siregar added.
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