"They have already submitted their applications since July, last year. The two companies are part of the same group," Head of Sub Directorate of Public Relations and Publications of Batam Exploitation Board (BP Batam) Ilham Eka Hartawan noted in Batam, on Thursday.
Ilham elaborated that the company, which had been engaged in the manufacture of rubber shipping supplies, will invest US$128 million, whereas the other company plans to invest US$45.8 million.
"They will shortly commence operations in Batam, thereby creating more job opportunities for the people of Batam," he remarked.
Ilham claimed that by the end of 2013, over 100 companies had expressed interest to invest in the Free Trade and Free Port Zone of Batam.
"The two interested companies are Japanese. We are hopeful that the companies, which have shown interest to invest, will soon execute their plans," he added.
Director of One Stop Services and Public Relations of BP Batam Dwi Djoko Wiwoho pointed out that Japan has overcome the effects of the tsunami disaster and is again showing economic growth. He further emphasized that Indonesia is directing its efforts towards Japan in the area of investment promotion in 2014.
"Japan has managed to recover from the tsunami disaster. We are optimistic that a lot of foreign investment will be directed towards Batam," he claimed.
In 2013, Japan re-invested in the Free Trade Zone of Batam after the tsunami wreaked havoc in the country in 2011. But, the investment is not as significant as that made by the other Asia-Pacific countries.
Reporting by Larno
(D018/INE/H-YH)
EDITED BY INE
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
