After presenting a report on second-quarter investment realization for 2023 here on Friday, the minister noted that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called for political stability to prevent wait-and-watch behavior among investors.
"As instructed by President Jokowi, although we are entering the political year, we should ensure it (the situation) will not escalate to maintain our stability and reduce the risk of wait-and-see behavior among investors to invest in Indonesia," he stated.
According to Lahadalia, in the second quarter of 2023, investment realization in Indonesia reached Rp348 trillion (US$23.1 billion), a 15-percent increase from the same period of the previous year.
Meanwhile, in the period from January to June, cumulative investment realization reached Rp668.7 trillion (US$44.5 billion), equal to 48.5 percent of the Rp1,400-trillion (US$93.2 billion) investment target.
"Praise be to God, despite the current political year, the climate is not too bad; it is just 'warm,'" the minister said.
He further said he is optimistic that the Rp1,400-trillion investment target will be achieved, and investment realization will continue to increase and peak in the fourth quarter.
To maintain investor confidence and ensure the investment target is reached, Lahadalia expressed the hope that the political climate will remain conducive and that the ongoing and upcoming election process will proceed smoothly.
"Any dynamics in political parties, such as any party conference, should be carried out peacefully. There also should not be too much tension in the presidential election. Just relax, enjoy the process, because politics is art, anyway," he remarked.
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Translator: Ade Irma Junida, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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